
Book. 



SJkst 



s 



the statue. 



Price Three Shillings, 



EVADNE; 



OR, 



THE STATUE: 



A TRAGEDY. IN FIVE ACTS : 



AS PERFORMED AT THE 



THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN. 



BY RICHARD SHEIL, Esq. 



LONDON: 

Printed by W. Clowes, Northumberland-court; and 
SOLD BY J. MURRAY, ALBEMARLE-STREET. 

1819. 






5* 






TO 

THOMAS MOORE, ESQ. 

IN TESTIMONY OF 
THE AUTHOR'S SENSE OF THE 
GENIUS, PATRIOTISM, AND PRIVATE WORTH, 
OF THAT ILLUSTRIOUS *POET, 
AND OF 
HIS GRATITUDE FOR MUCH PERSONAL KINDNESS 
TOWARDS HIMSELF, 
THIS TRAGEDY IS INSCRIBED, 



PREFACE. 



The Author has employed a part of the fable of 
Shirley's " Traytor\ in the construction of his 
plot. In that tragedy, a kinsman, and favourite of 
the Duke of Florence, contrives to excite in him 
a dishonourable passion for the sister of a Florentine 
nobleman, as the means of procuring the murder of 
the Duke by the hand of the injured brother, and 
thus opening the way for his own elevation to the 
throne. 

To that extent only the plot of this tragedy is 
derived from Shirley. The incidents, situations, 
distribution, characters, and language, (such as they 
are), the Author hopes he may be pardoned 
for observing, are his own. It will, perhaps, 
be thought, that this detracts from his claim 
to the merit of originality — He does not think 
so. — No one contests the originality of Douglas, 
because Home took his plot from an old ballad, 

a2 



VI PREFACE. 

and even profited by the Merope of Voltaire.-— 
Rowe's Fair Penitent is a still stronger case ; 
that fine tragedy is modelled on Massinger's 
Fatal Dowry; — Otway and Southerne rarely 
invented their plots. 

The Author trusts his introduction of these names 
will not be misinterpreted. He mentions them for the 
purpose of justifying himself, by the authority of 
their example. 



PROLOGUE, 

SPOKEN BY MR. EGERTON, 



When erst in Eden's solitary bowers, 
The primal Man beheld his world of flowers, 
Eternal sunshine tinged the glorious sky, 
Alternate beauties wooed his wandering eye; 
While infant Love, waging its odorous wing, 
Woke the wild spirit of the breathing Spring. 
Yet still through Paradise he restless strayed, 
Its bower wassongless, and its sun was shade; 
E'en as the Bard of Albany * has sung, 
In strains that live for age, and yet are young, 
Creation bloom'd, a decorated wild, — 
It was not Paradise — till Woman smiled. 
Fair on his view the Paragon arose, 
Source of his bliss, and solace of his woes. 
By bounteous Heaven ordain'd to sooth his fall, 
And sole survive, a recompense for all. 
Who has not felt her chaste and charmed power 
Beguile his sad, and raise his raptur'd hour ? 
If such there be — Oh ! let him bend his sight 
Far from the hallowed vision of to-night. 
To-night, our Bard, in lovely woman's cause, 
Alone from manly bosoms asks applause ; 
From British bosoms asks, without a fear, 
Assured that such a cause is sacred here. 

* Albany was the ancient name of Scotland. —Campbell, 



PROLOGUE. 



And you, ye Fair, see young Evadne prove 
Her vestal honour, and her plighted love ; 
See her, the light and joy of every eye, 
Veil all her charms in spotless chastity ; 
And, 'mid the fires and phantasies of youth, 
Turn strong temptations to the cause of truth ! 
Oh ! may each maid Evadne' s virtue share, 
With heart as faithful, though with form less fair. 
You, too, who hope Ambition's height to climb, 
Toiling to fortune through the maze of crime, 
Behold, as in the daring ** fool of Crete." 
Of such design, the lesson, and the fate : 
Behold the wing that lifts it to the skies 
Melt in the sun to which it sought to rise. 
Such is the strain by which the moral Bard 
Seeks from a moral people his reward : 
Seeks in simplicity, without one aid 
From scenic pomp, or pasteboard cavalcade. 
Britons, be just, and as our " Statue" stands, 
LikeMEMNON's image from its master's hands, 
With one bright ray illume the sculptured toil, 
And bid it breathe — the creature of your smile. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS, 



THE KING OF NAPLES, Mr. Abbott. 

LUDOVICO, his Favourite Mr. M'Cready. 

COLONNA, Mr. Young. 

V1CENTIO, Mr. C. Kemble. 

SPALATRO, Mr. Connor, 



EVADNE, sister of Colonna Miss O'Neill. 

OLIVIA, in love with Vicentio Mrs. Faucit. 



Scene — Naples. 



EVADNE 



OR, 



THE STATUE 



ACT L 

SCENE I. 

The Palace of the King of Naples. 
Enter the King, Spalatro, and Courtiers. 

King. JDlDST say the Marquis of Colonna prays 
Admission to our presence ? 

Spal. Aye, my liege, 
He stands in the anti-chamber, with a brow 
As stern as e'er was knitted in the folds 
Of ranc'rous discontent. 

King. I have noted oft 
His absence from the court, the which I deem 
His envy of our true Ludovico. 

Spal. Deem it no little benefit, my liege; 
His deep and murky smile, his gather'd arms, 
In whose close pride he folds himself — his raw 



2 EVADNE, [Act I. 

And pithy apothegms of scorn have made him 
Our laughter, and our hatred; we are all 
Grown weary of this new Diogenes, 
Who rolls his hard and new philosophy 
Against all innocent usage of the court. 

King. We must not bid him hence — he has a sister— 

Spal. The fair Evadne ! — 

King. Fairer than the mora; 
Who has not seen her, knows of beauty less 
Than blind men of Aurora. — For her sake 
We give him ample scope, and we are glad 
He comes to visit us. 

Colonna without. 

Col. I '11 hear no more. 
Colonna does not often importune 
With his unwelcome presence. Let me pass — 
For once I must be heard. 

Enter Colonna, followed by Courtiers. 

My liege ! — 

1st. Court. Hold back! 

2d. Court. What right hast thou to rush before the sight 
Of sacred royalty? 

Col. The right that all 
Good subjects ought to have — to do him service. 
My liege — 

King. You are welcome — 
And would you had brought your lovely sister too. 

Col. My sister, did you say? My sister, sir? 
She is not fit for courts ; she would be called 
(For she has something left of nature still) 
A simple creature here; she cannot cast 
Unholy glances from a sidelong eye, 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 

Or give her untouched body to the wreath 
Of mazy dances, where all decency 
Is lost in pleasure's wildered labyrinth. 
She is not fit for courts, and I have hope 
She never will: But, let it pass— I come 
To implore a favour of you. 

King. Whatsoe'er 
Colonna prays, sure cannot be refus'd. 

Col. The favour that I ask is one, my liege, 
That princes often find it hard to grant. 
'Tis simply this — that you will hear the truth. 1 

King. Proceed, and play the monitor, my lord. 

Col. I see your courtiers here do stand amazed. 
Of them I first would speak— There is not one 
Of this wide troop of glittering parasites, 
That circle you, as priests surround their God, 
With sycophantic incense, but in soul 
Is your base foe. — These smilers here, my liege, — 
Whose dimples seem a sort of honeycomb 
Filled, and o'erflowing with suavity — 
These soft melodious flatterers, my liege, 
That flourish on the flexibility 
Of their soft countenances, are the vermin 
That haunt a prince's ear with the false buzz 
Of villanous assentation. — These are they 
Who from your mind have flouted every thought 
Of the great weal of the people. — These are they 
Who from your ears have shut the public cry, 
And with the poisoned gales of flattery 
Create around you a foul atmosphere 
Of unresounding denseness, thro' the which 
Their loud complaints cannot reverberate, 
And perish ere they reach you. 

b 2 



4 EVADNE, [Act I. 

King. Who complains, — 
Who dares complain of us ? 

Col. All dare complain 
Behind you — I before you. — Do not think 
Because you load your people with the weight 
Of camels, they possess the camel's patience. 
A deep groan labours in the nation's heart; 
The very calm and stillness of the day 
Gives augury of the earthquake. — All without 
Is as the marble smooth, and all within 
Is rotten as the carcase it contains ; 
Tho' ruin knock not at the palace-gate, 
Yet will the palace-gate unfold itself 
To ruin's felt-shod tread. 

King, (aside.) Insolent villain ! 

Col. Your gorgeous banquets — your high feasts of gold, 
Which the four quarters of the rifled world 
Heap with their ravish' d luxuries — your pomps, 
Your palaces, and all the sumptuousness 
Of painted royalty will melt away, 
As in a theatre the glittering scene 
Doth vanish with the shifter's magic hand, 
And the mock pageant perishes. — My liege, 
A single virtuous action hath more worth 
Than all the pyramids, and glory writes 
A more enduring epitaph upon 
One generous deed, than the sarcophagus 
In which Sesostris meant to sleep. 

Spal. Forbear! 
It is a subject's duty to arrest 
Thy rash and blasphemous speech. — 

King. Let him speak on — 
The monarch who can listen to Colonna, 
Is not the worthless tyrant he would make me. 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 

Col. I deem you not that tyrant — if I did — — 
No ! Nature framing you, did kindly mean, 
And o'er your heart hath sprinkled many drops 
Of her best charities. But you are led 
From virtue and from wisdom far away, 
By men whose every look 's a lie — whose hearts 
Are a large heap of cankers, and of whom 
The chief is a rank traitor ! 

King. Traitor! whom meanest thou ? 

Col. Your favourite, your minister, my liege. 
That smooth-faced hypocrite — that — 

King. Here he comes ! 

Col. It is the traitor's self— I am glad of it, 
That to his face I may confront. 

Enter Ludovico — he advances rapidly to the King. 

Lud. My liege, 
I hasten to your presence, to inform you — 
Colonna here ! (starting.) 

Col. The same — Colonna's here! 
And if you wish to learn his theme of speech, 
Learn that he spoke of treason and of you. 

Lud. Did I not stand before the hallowed eye 
Of majesty, I would teach thee with my sword 
How to reform thy phrase — But I am now 
In my king's presence, and with awe-struck soul, 
As if within Religion's peaceful shrine, 
Humbly I bend before him. What, my liege, 
Hath this professor of austerity, 
And practiser of slander, vomited 
Against your servant's honour ? 

King. He hath called you 

Col. A traitor ! and I warn you to beware 
Of the false viper nurtured in your heart. 



6 EVADNE, [Act L 

He has filled the city with a band of men, 

By fell allegiance sworn unto himself. 

There are a thousand ruffians at his word 

Prepared to cut our throats. — The city swarms 

With murderers' faces, and tho' treason now 

Moves like a muffled dwarf, 'twill speedily 

Swell to a blood-robed giant ! — If, my liege, 

What I have said doth not unfilm your eye, 

'Twere vain to tell you more. — " And I desire not 

a To hear a traitor doling out before you 

" His fluent protestation, till at last 

" With insolent mockery of attested Heaven, 

" From the believing ear of royalty, 

a He suck its brains out." — I have said, my liege, 

And tried to interrupt security 

Upon her purple cushion — he, perhaps, 

Will find some drowsy syrup to lay down 

Her opening eye-lids into sleep again, 

And call back slumber with a lullaby 

Of sweetest adulation. — Fare you well ! 
Lud. Hold back! 
Col. Not for your summons, my good lord. 

The courtly air doth not agree with me, 
And I respire it painfully. — My lord, 
Hear my last words. — Beware, Ludovico ! 
Lud. Villain, come back ! 
Col. I wear a sword, my lord. 

[Exit. 
Lud. He flies before me — and the sight of him 
He dares accuse, came like the morning sun 
On the night-walking enemy of mankind, 
That shrinks before the day-light — yes, he fled, 
And 1 would straight pursue him, and send back, 
On my sword's point, his falsehoods to his heart — 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 

But that I here before the assembled court 
Would vindicate myself — a traitor '• — who 
In any action of Ludovico 
Finds echo to that word ? 

King. I cannot think 
Thou hast repaid me with ingratitude. 

Lud. I do not love to make a boisterous boast 
Of my past services, and marshal forth 
In glittering array the benefit 
That I have done my sovereign— what I did 
Was but my duty. — Yet would I inquire 
If he who has fought your battles, and hath made 
A very thrall of victory — who oft 
Has back to Naples from the field of fight, 
Led your triumphant armies, " while the breeze 
" Spread out the royal banner, with its fold 
" Of floating glory, and yourself exclaimed 
" ? Twas unprofaned by one small drop of blood, — - 
" If he who from your shoulders has ta'en off 
" The heavy mass of empire to relieve 
" His sovereign from the ponderous load of rule, 
" And leave you but its pleasures'* — He whose hand 
Hath lined the oppressive diadem with down, 
And ta'en its pressure from the golden round — 
If he whose cheek hath at the midnight lamp 
Grown pale with study of his prince's weal 
Is like to be a traitor — who, my liege, 
Hath often like the day-light's god transpierced 
The hydra-headed monster of rebellion, 
And stretched it bleeding at your feet ? who oft 
Hath from the infuriate people exorcised 
The talking daemon, " liberty" and choaked 



8 EVADNE, [Act I. 

The voice of clamorous demagogues ? — I dare 
To tell you 'twas Ludovico! 

King. It was. 

Lud. Who calls me traitor ? He whose breath doth taint 
Whatever it blows upon — he " who doth mock 
" The antique severity, and only wants 
u A toga to be a republican 
" Of the old Roman fashion, — He who talks 
u Abroad against your vices, (for he deems 
" All blameless pleasure such,) and oftentimes 
" Heaves a long sigh for those illustrious days 
•' When commonwealths made men. 

" King. What ! dares he do so ?" 

Lud. But, ask yourself, my lord, if I be mad? 
For were I that, that he would make Ludovico, 
The cells of frenzy, not the scaffold's plank, 
Would best beseem my treason. — In your love 
My fortunes grow and flourish unto heaven ; 
And I'should win by treason but the load 
Of the world's execration, while the fierce 
And ravenous vulture of remorse would tear 
The vitals of my soul, and make my heart 
Its black immortal banquet ! I a traitor ! 
At lirst, I only meant to scorn. — But now, 
The bursting passion hath o'ermastered me, 
And my voice choaks in anguish ! Oh, my liege, 
Your giving audience to this rancorous man, 
Who envies me the greatness of your smile, 
Hath done me wrong, and stabs me thro' and thro'. 
A traitor ! — your Ludovico ! 

King. My lord. 

Lud. Here is my heart ! If you have any mercy, 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 9 

Strike thro' that heart, and as the blood flows forth, 
Drown your suspicions in the purple stream. 

King. Arise, Ludovico, and do not think 
I have harboured in my breast a single thought 
That could dishonour thee. 

Lud. My royal Master! 
The power of gratitude mounts from my heart, 
And rushes to milie eyes, that are too apt 
To play the woman with me. See, they are falling — 
Oh ! let them not profane your sacred cheek, 
But bathe my prince's feet. 

King. Ludovico, 
We have wrong'd thee, not by doubt, 
But by our sufferance of Colonna's daring — 
Whom from my sight into the dungeon's depth 

I had flung, but that I hope Let us apart — 

[He draws Ludovico aside. 
But that I hope, Ludovico, that yet 
I may possess me of his sister's charms. 

Lud. There you have struck upon the inmost spring 
Of all Colonna's hate ; for in obedience 
To your high will, I humbly made myself 
Your pleasure's minister, and to her ear 
I bore your proffered love, which he discovering 
Hath tried to root me from my Prince's heart — 

King. Where thou shalt ever flourish! But, Ludovico, 
But thou hast told her ! Is there hope, my friend ? 

Lud. She shall be yours — nay, more — and well you know 
That you may trust your servant — not alone 
Colonna's lovely sister shall be yours ; 
But, mark my speech, Colonna's self shall draw 
The chaste white curtains from her virgin-bed, 
And lead you to her arms ! 

c 



10 EVADNE, [Act. I. 

King. What ! her fierce brother 
Yield his consent? 

Lud. Inquire not how, my liege, 
I would accomplish this — trust to my pledge — 
This very night. 

King. To-night! Am I so near 
To heaven, Ludovico ? 

Lud. You are, my liege. 
To-night upon the breast of paradise 
You shall most soundly sleep. [Aside. 

King. My faithful friend ! 
And dost thou say, Colonna will himself ? 

Lud. Colonna's self shall bear her to your arms, 
And bid her on to dalliance. 

King. Oh, my friend, 
Thou art the truest servant that ere yet 
Tended his Sovereign's wish : but dost not fear, 
Her purposed marriage with Vicentio 
May make some obstacle? 

Lud. I have recalled him 
From Florence, whither as ambassador, 
In honourable exile, he was sent. 

King. Recalled him? 'T was to interrupt his love 
That he was sent. 

Lud. My projects need his coming. 
" 'Tis not in vain that he returns, my liege," 
For I intend to make Vicentio 
An instrument to crown you with her charms ! 

King. How shall I bless thee, my Ludovico ? 
Is she not made of beauty? Dost thou think 
'Tis strange I pine for her — but why inquire 
Of thee, who once wert kindled by her charms. 

Lud. My liege ! [A little disturbed. 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 11 

King. She did prefer Vicentio. 

Lud. She shall prefer you to Vicentio. 

King. My dear Ludovico, within my soul 
More closely will I wear thee ! — is 't to-night ? 
To-night, Ludovico ! 

Lud. Wish that the sun 
Would throw himself down the rich steeps of heaven, 
And night come gliding from the darkening east 
For, in her pall shall love with a golden torch, 
Just lighted in Cythera, sweetly tread, 
And laughing guide the pleasures as he trips. 

King. Tell her we '11 shower all honour on her head.— 
And here, Ludovico, to testify 
That we have given ourselves, bear to her heart 
This image of her King ! 

Lud. I am in all your servant. 

King. My Ludovico, 
We never can reward thee ! Come ; my friends, 
Let *s to some fresh-imagined sport, and wile 
The languid hours in some device of joy, 
To help along the lazy flight of time, 
And quicken him with pleasure. — My Ludovico ! 
Remember ! 

[Exit King and part of the Courtiers, 
Spalatro, and four other Conspirators remain behind with 
Ludovico. 

Lud. He is gone — at last he is gone, 

And my unloosened spirit dares again 

To heave within my bosom ! — Oh Colonna. 

With an usurious vengeance I II repay thee, 

And cure the talking devil in thy tongue ! — 

To Spalatro.~] Give me thy hand, and let thy pulse again 

Beat with a temperate and healthful motion 

c o 



12 EVADNE, [Act I. 

Of full security We are safe, my friends, 

And in the genius of Ludovico, 
An enterprise shall triumph. 

Spal. We began to tremble when you entered — -but full 
soon 
With admiration we beheld you tread 
Secure the steeps of ruin, and preserve us. 

Lud. That damn'd Colonna !— by the glorious star 
Of my nativity, I do not burn 
For empire, with a more infuriate thirst, 
Than for revenge ! 

Spal. My poniard's at your service. 

1st Cons. And mine ! 

2d Cons. And mine! 

Lud. Not for the world, my friends ! 
I '11 turn my vengeance to utility, 
And must economize my hate — Whom think you 
Have I marked out assassin of the King ? 

Spal. Piero, perchance — he strikes the poniard deep. 

Lud. A better hand at it. 

Spal. Bartolo, then — 
He pushes the stiletto to the heart, 

Lud. No ! 

Spal. Then yourself will undertake the deed. 

Lud. That were against all wisdom— No, my friends, 
Colonna — 

Spal. What Colonna? — he that now 
Accused you here ? 

Lud. Colonna!— 

Spal. 'Tis impossible ! — 
From his great father he inherited 
A sort of passion in his loyalty : 
In him it mounts to folly. 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 13 

Lud. Yet, Spalatro, 
I '11 make a murderer of him — know you not 
He has a sister ? — 

Spal. Yes, the fair Evadne, 
You once did love yourself. 

Lud. There thou hast touched me. 
And I am weak enough to love her yet, 
If that indeed be love that doth consume me ; 
It is a sort of monster in my heart, 
Made up of horrid contrarieties ! 
She scorns me for that smooth Vicentio — 
Not only does he thwart me in my love, 
But, well I know, his influence in the state 
Would, when the king is sent to Paradise, 
Be cast between me and the throne — he dies !— - 
Colonna too shall perish, and the crown 
Shall with Evadne's love be mine. 

Enter Servant. 

How now? 

Sep. My lord, the lady Olivia 
Waits on your highness. 

Lud. I desired her here, 
And straight I will attend her. [Exit Servant, 

With a straw 

A town may be consum'd, and I employ 
This woman's passion for Vicentio, 
As I would use a poison'd pin, to kill. 

Spal. She long hath loved Vicentio. 

Lud. He shall wed her — 
And from the hand of Hymen, Death shall snatch 
The nuptial torch, and use it for his own! 



14 EVADNE, [Act I. 

I haste me to her presence. [Takes out the King's picture. 

Come ! fair bauble, 
Thou now must be employ'd. (To Spal.) Dost thou not 

think, 
Even in his image, that he bears the soft 
And wanton aspect with the which he bid me 
To cater for his villanous appetite — 
And with what luxury? — Evadne's charms! — 
Evadne that I love? — 

Spal. But, didst thou not 
Thyself evoke that passion in his breast? 

Lud. I did, 'tis true — but for mine own success, 
I hate him ! — Wouldst thou deem that he would dare 
To choose me for his minister of sin, 
And bid me gain her for his luxury? 
There is the very face with which he first 
Pour'd his unholy wishes in mine ear — 
Ha! dost thou smile upon me? — I will turn 
Those glittering eyes, where love doth now inhabit, 
To two dark hollow palaces, for Death 
To keep his mouldering state in, " and upon 
" Those lips, where wanton smiles are softly curl'd, 
" I '11 twine a wreath of rich and clustering worms, 
" To feast upon their moist, and rosy pouting !" — 
He dares to hope that I will make myself 
The wretched officer of his desires, 
And smooth the bed for his lascivious pleasures — 
But 1 full soon will teach his royalty, 
The beds I make are lasting ones, and lie 
In the dark chambers of eternity ! [Exeunt. 

END OF THE FIKST ACT. 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. * 15 



ACT II 



SCENE I. 

A Room in the Palace. 
Enter Olivia and Ludovico. 

Lud. DISPOSE of it as I instructed you ; 

[Giving her the King's Picture. 
You know that I have pledged myself to make 
Vicentio yours. — To-day yourself have given 
The means to turn that promise into deed. 
You are among the noblest of my kin, 
And I would mate you with Vicentio, 
To raise my proper fortunes. 

Oliv. My own heart 
Tells me, 'tis a bad office I have ta'en ; 
But this unhappy passion drives me on, 
And makes my soul your thrall — Thus I have crept 
Obedient to your counsels, meanly crept 
Into Evadne's soft, and trusting heart, 
And coiled myself around her — Thus, my lord, 
Have I obtained the page of amorous sighs 
That you enjoined me to secure — I own 



16 EVADNE, [Act 11. 

'Twas a false deed, but I am gone too far 
To seek retreat, and will obey you still. 

Lud. And I will crown your passion with the flowers 
Of Hymen's yellow garland — Trust me, Olivia, 
That once dissevered from Evadne's love, 
He will soon be taught to prize your nobler frame, 
And more enkindled beauty — Well, 'tis known 
Ere he beheld the sorceress " who beguiled 
" His soul with meekly artificial smiles," 
He deemed you fairest of created things, 
And would have proffered love, had not — 

Oliv. I pray you, 
With gems of flattery do not disturb 
The fount of bitterness within my soul ; — 
For dropped tho' ne'er so nicely, they but stir 
The poisoned waters as they fall — I have said 
I will obey you. 

Lud. With this innocent page 
Will I light up a fire within Vicentio, — 
But you must keep it flaming — I have ta'en 
Apt means to drive him into jealousy. 
By scattering rumours (which have reached his ear) 
Before he come to Naples — e'en in Florence 
Have I prepared his soft and yielding mind 
To take the seal that I would fix upon it. 
I do expect him with the fleeting hour, — 
For, to my presence he must come to bear 
His embassy's commission, and be sure 
He leaves me with a poison in his heart, 
Evadne's lips shall never suck away. 

Oliv. Then will I hence, and if 'tis possible, 
Your bidding shall be done. — Vicentio ! 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 17 

Enter Vicentio. 

Vic. Hail to my lord! 

Lud. Welcome, Vicentio ! 
I have not clasp'd your hand this many a day ! 
Welcome from Florence. In your absence, sir, 
Time seemed to have lost his feathers. 

Vic. It was kind 
To waste a thought upon me. — Fair Olivia, 
Florence hath dimmed mine eyes, or I must else 
Have seen a sun-beam sooner. Fair Olivia, 
How does your lovely friend ? 

Oliv. What friend, my lord ? 

Vic. I trust nought evil hath befallen Evadne, 
That you should feign to understand me not. 
How does my beautiful and plighted love ? 

Oliv. How does she, sir? I pray you, my good lord 
To ask such tender question of the king. [Exit' 

Vic. What meant she by the king? (aside.) 

Lud. You seem, Vicentio, 
O'ershadowed with reflection — should you 
Not have used some soft detaining phrase to one, 
Who should at least be pitied ? 

Vic. I came here 
To re-deliver to your hands, my lord, 
The high commission of mine embassy, 
That long delayed my marriage. You, I deem 
My creditor, in having used your sway 
In my recall to Naples. 

Lud. In return for such small service, " in the which 
u My zeal outstrips the tardy benefit," I hope 
That you will not forget Ludovico, 
When in the troop of thronging worshippers, 

I) 



18 EVADNE, [Act II 

At distance you behold his stooping plume 
Bend in humility. 

Vic. What means my Lord? 
Lud. Act not this ignorance— your glorious fortune 
Hath filled the common mouth — there's not a wight, 
Who ever tortured verse upon the rack 
Of his parturient brain, has not already 
Indited you in sonorous eulogy — 
The jesting villains mimic insolence 
(Who counterfeit the faces of the great,) 
Has set your image in the common mart 
Of pictured ridicule — Come, do not wear 
The look of studied wonderment — you know 
Howe'er I stand upon the highest place 
In the King's favour, that you will full soon 
Supplant the poor Ludovico, that cast 
Amid the rout and populace of the court 
Will live upon your smile. 

Vic. I am no CEdipus. 

Lud. You would have me speak in simpler phrase ; Vi- 
centio, 
You are to be the favorite of the King. 

Vic. The favorite of the King ! 

Lud. Certes, Vicentio. 
In our Italian courts, the generous husband 
Receives his monarch's recompensing smile, 
That with alchymic power, can turn the mass 
Of dull opprobrious shame, to one bright heap 
Of honour and emolument. — " How oft 
(t The rich Pactolus of a prince's favour 
" Flows from a filthy fountain ! — Have you marked 
" The fat luxuriance of the juicy plant 
" That flourishes in churchyards ? — 'tis, my lord, 



Scene 1.] Or, THE STATUE, 19 

" That rottenness manures. The vilest shame 

" (Shame in the dull opinion of the world 

" A wise man sets at nought,) begets more honours 

" Than a whole life of service to the state, 

" And veins made bloodless in a thousand battles." 

I bid you joy, my lord — why, how is this ? 

Do you not yet conceive me ? Know you not 

You are to wed the mistress of the king ? 

Colonna's sister — aye, I have said it, sir, — 

Now, do you understand me I 
Vic. Villain, thou liest ! 
Lud. What? are you not to marry her ? 
Vic. Thou liest; 
Tho' thou wert ten times what thou art already, 

Not all the laurels heaped upon thy head 

Should save thee from the lightnings of my wrath ! 

" Vile, and infectious slave, thy calumny 

" Is like a corpse's reeking at the sun, 

" And staining the white day ! — Thou wretched worm, 

" Who sheddest thy poison-slime upon the flower 

" Of a pure woman's honour, and where'er 

" Thou crawlest, pollutest." 

Lud. If it was my will, 

The movement of my hand should beckon death 

To thy presumption. But I have proved too oft 

I bore a fearless heart, to think you dare 

To call me coward — and I am too wise 

To think I can revenge an injury 

By giving you my life^ But I compassionate, 

Nay, I have learned to esteem thee for a wrath, 

That gives me proof thou dost not yield consent 

To infamy, that many a courtier here 

D 2 



20 EVADNE, [Act II 

Would think the plume of fortune. Fare thee well ! 

Thy pulse is now too fevered for the cure 

I honestly intended — yet, before 

I part, here take this satisfying proof 

Of what a woman's made of. [Gives him a letter. 

Vic. It is her character ! 
Hast thou shed phosphor on the innocent page, 
That it has turned to fire ? 

Lud. Thou hast thy fate : 
" But be not the vile worm to spin thyself 
" The black and slimy thread whereof lis made. 
Vic. 'Tis signed, " Evadne." 
Lud. Yes, it is — farewell ! 

Vic. For heaven's sake, hear me — Stay— Oh, pardon me 
For the rash utterance of a frantic man — 
Whence ? how ? where ? speak ? in mercy speak ! 

Lud. I will, 
In mercy speak, indeed — -In mercy to 
That fervid generosity of heart 
That I behold within thee — " and despite 
u Of the high injury thou hast cast upon me." 
Vic. From whom is this ? 
Lud. From whom ? look there ! 
Vic. Evadne ! 

Lud. 'Tis written to the king, and to my hand. 
For he is proud of it, as if it were 
A banner of high victory, he bore it, 
To evidence his valour — It is grown 
His cup-theme now, and your Evadne's name 
Is lisped with all the insolence on his tongue 
Of satiated triumph — he exclaims — 
The poor Vicentio ! 



Scene I.J Or, THE STATUE, %\ 

Vic. The poor Vicentio ! 

Lud. What! shall he murder him? (aside) no, no,— 
Colonna ! 
The poor Vicentio ! and he oftentimes 
Cries, that he pities you ! 
Vic. He pities me ! 

Lud. I own that some time I was infidel 
To all the bombast vaunting of the king, 

But 

Vic. 'Tis Evadne ! — I have gazed upon it, 
In hope that with the glaring of mine eyes 
1 might burn out the false and treacherous word- 
But, still 'tis there — no more — else will it turn 
My brain to a red furnace. — -Look you, my lord- 
Thus as I rend the cursed evidence 
Of that vile woman's falsehood — thus I cast 
My love into the winds, and as I tread 
Upon the poisoned fragments of the snake 
That stings me into madness, thus, Ludovico, 
Thus do 1 trample on her ! 

Lud. Have you ne'er heard, 
For 'twas so widely scattered in the voice 
Of common rumour, that the very wind, 

If it blew fair for Florence 

Vic. I have heard 
Some whispers, which I long had flung away 
With an incredulous hatred from my heart — 
But now, this testimony has conjured 
All other circumstances in one vast heap 
Of damned certainty ! — Farewell, my lord — 
1 '11 seek that false one out, and to her face 
Upbraid her with her perjured perfidies — 
That is the only vengeance left me still, 



22 EVADNE, [Act II, 

And I would take it 

Lud. I know, Vicentio, 
Vengeance is left you still— the deadliest too 
That a false woman can be made to feel : 
Take her example — be not satisfied 
With casting her for ever from your heart, 
But to the place that she has forfeited, 
Exalt a lovelier than — but I perceive 
You are not in a mood to hear me now — 
Some other time, Vicentio — and, meanwhile, 
Despite your first tempestuous suddenness, 
You will think that I but meant your honour well 
In this proceeding. 

Vic. I believe I owe you 
That sort of desperate gratitude, my lord, 
The dying patient owes the barbarous knife, 
That delves in throes of mortal agony, 
And tears the rooted cancer from his heart ! 

[Exeunt. 

SCENE 1L 
A Room in Colonna's Palace. 

Eva one discovered looking at a picture. 

Evad. 'Tis strange he comes not! thro' the city's gates 
His panting courser passed, before the sun 
Had climbed to his meridian, yet he comes not ! — 
Methinks the very throbbings of my heart, 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. 23 

With slow distinctness mete the hours away 

As heavily, as to a sick man's ear 

Time's monitor beneath his pillow strikes 

Before the dawn of day-light. — Ah! Vicentio, 

To know thee near me, yet behold thee not, 

Is sadder than to think thee far away ; 

For I had rather that a thousand leagues 

Of mountain ocean should dissever us, 

Than thine own heart, Vicentio. — Sure, Vicentio, 

If thou didst know with what a pining gaze 

I feed mine eyes upon thine image here, 

Thou wouldst not now leave thine Evadne's love 

To this same cold idolatry. 

Olivia enters unperceived. 
I will swear 
That smile's a false one^ for it sweetly tells 
No tarrying indifference — Olivia ! 

Oliv. I have stolen unperceived upon your hours 
Of lonely meditation, and surprised 
Your soft soliloquies to that fair face.— 
Nay, do not blush — reserve that rosy dawn 
For the soft pressure of Vicentio's lips. 

Evad. You mock me, fair Olivia, — I confess 
That musing on my cold Vicentio's absence, 
I quarrelled with the blameless ivory. 

Oliv. He was compelled as soon as he arrived, 
To wait upon the great Ludovico; 
Meanwhile your soft, expecting moments flow 
In tender meditation on the face, 
You dare to gaze upon in ivory 
With fonder aspect, than when you behold 
Its bright original ; for then 'tis meet 
Your pensive brows be bent upon the groHihd, 



24 EVADNE, [Act II. 

And sighs as soft as zephyrs on the wave 

Should gently heave your heart. — Is it not so? 

Nay, do not now rehearse your part, I pray 

Reserve those downcast lookings for Vicentio, 

That's a fair picture — let me, if you dare 

Entrust the treasure to another's hand, 

Let me look on it. (Takes Vicentio's picture.) 

What a sweetness plays 

On those half-opened lips ! — He gazed on you 

When those bright eyes were painted. 

Evad. You have got 
A heart so free of care, that you can mock 
Your pensive friend with such light merriment. 
But hark ! I hear a step. 

Oliv. (Aside.) Now fortune aid me 
In her precipitation. 

Evad. It is himself! — 
Olivia, he is coming — Well I know 
My Lord Vicentio hastens to mine eyes ! 
The picture — prithee give it back to me — 
I must constrain you to it. 

Oliv. (Who has substituted the picture of the King.) 
It is in vain 

To struggle with you then — with what a grasp 
You rend it from my hand, as if it were 
Vicentio that I had stolen away. 

(Gives her the King's picture, which Evadne places 
in her bosom.) 
I triumph! — (Aside.) — He is coming — I must leave you, 
Nor interrupt the meeting of your hearts 
By my officious presence. [Exit, 

Evad. It is himself! 
Swiftly he passes thro' the colonnade, 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE, 25 

And flies into mine arms. — Vicentio, 
Thy coming bears me joy as bright as e'er 
Beat thro' the heart of woman, that was made 
For suffering, and for transport! — Oh, Vicentio! 



Enter Vicentio. 

Are you then come at last ? — do I once more 
Behold my bosom's lord, whose tender sight 
Is necessary for my happiness 
As light for heaven! — My lord ! — Vicentio!—" 
I blush to speak the transport in my heart, 
But I am rapt to see you. 

Vic. And, Evadne, 
I am all joy. (aside.) I '11 hide the serpent here, 
And use her for awhile, with the same arts 
She plays upon myself. — I am rejoiced — -— 

Evad. And I! — if every bosom were so glad 
As mine for your return, which I have prayed 
In nightly orisons, the bells of Naples 
Would from their steeples peal their chimes of joy; 
Flowers should be strewed before your passing steps, 
The very dust made of the leaves of roses! — 
I am in sooth so joyous at your sight, 
That I forget to chide you — how is this ? 

Vic. Dissembling woman! (aside.) 

Evad. How is this, my lord? 
Methinks you look most sadly, or what 's worse, 
Most coldly on Evadne — 'tis perchance, 
The fault of mine expecting eyes, that seek 
The warm reflection of their joyfulness. 
Why, once, if you were absent but a day, 
At our next meeting you were bright as morn 

E 



26 EVADNE, [Act II 

In the sweet May; but now, you are grown as cold 
As winter's chilly day-break — you look altered. 

Vic. But you do not look altered — would you did I 
Let me peruse the face where loveliness 
Stays, like the light after the sun is set. 
Sphered in the stillness of those heaven-blue eyes, 
The soul sits beautiful ; the high white front, 
Smooth as the brow of Pallas, seems a temple 
Sacred to holy thinking ! and those lips 
Wear the small smile of sleeping infancy, 
They are so innocent. — Ah ! thou art still 
The same soft creature, in whose lovely form 
Virtue and beauty seemed as if they tried 
Which should exceed the other. — Thou hast got 
That brightness all around thee that appeared 
An emanation of the soul that loved 
To adorn its habitation with itself, 
And in thy body was like light that looks / 

More beautiful in the reflecting cloud 
It lives in, in the evening. Oh ! Evadne, 
Thou art not altered — would thou wert! 

Eva. Vicentio, 

This strangeness I scarce hoped for .Say, Vicentio, 

Has any ill befallen you? — I perceive 

That its warm bloom hath parted from your cheek, 

And there 's a parched dryness in your hand, 

That shows the torrid fever of the blood — 

Ah me ! you are not well, Vicentio. 

Vic. In sooth, I am not. — There is in my breast 
A wound that mocks all cure — no salve, nor anodyne^ 
Nor medical herb, nor minist'rings 
Of anxious care from hands as delicate 
As e'er affection tutored in the arts 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. 27 

Of kindly restoration, can allay 

The festering of that agonizing wound 

You have driven into my heart ! 

Evad. I? 

Vic. You, Evadne! 
Evadne, you— you have stabbed me to the soul, 
Turned the Elysium prospects in the vale 
Of my young life, as ruined church-yards bleak, 
And of my springing joys, and blossoming hopes, 
Made all a desolation. Why, Evadne, 
Why did you ever tell me that you loved me ? 
Why was I not in mercy spurned away, 
Scorned, like Ludovico f for unto him 
You dealt in honour, and despised his love : 
But me you soothed and flattered — sighed and blushed — 
And smiled and wept, for you can weep ; (even now 
Your tears flow by volition, and your eyes 
Convenient fountains have begun to gush,) 
To stab me with a falsehood yet unknown 
In falsest woman's perfidy? 

Evad. Vicentio, 
Why am I thus accused ? What have I done? 

Vic. What! — are you grown already an adept 
In cold dissimulation ? Have you stopped 
All access from your heart into your face ? 
Do you not blush ? 

Evad. I do, indeed, for you ! 

Vic. The King ? 

Evad. The King? 

Vic. Come, come, confess at once, and wear it high 
Upon your towering forehead — swell your port — 
Away with this unseemly bashfulness, 
That will be deemed a savageness at court — 

E 2 



28 EVADNE, [Act II 

Confront the talking of the busy world 

Tell them you are the mistress of the King, 
Tell them you are Colonna's sister too ; 
But, hark you, Madam — prithee do not say 
You are Vicentio's wife I 
Evad. Injurious man ! 

Vic. The very winds from the four parts of heaven 
Blew it throughout the city — 

Evad. And if angels 
Cried, trumpet-tongued, that I was false to you, 
You should not have believed it. — You forget 
Who dares to stain a woman's honesty, 
Does her a wrong, as deadly as the brand 
He fears upon himself. — Go, go, Vicentio — 
You are not what I deemed you ! — Mistress ? fie I 
Go, go, Vicentio ! let me not behold 
The man who has reviled me with a thought 
Dishonouring as that one ! — Oh ! Vicentio, 
Do I deserve this of you ? 

Vic. Are these tears 
The counterfeits of grief ? that sob appeared 
The breaking of the heart from which it came. 
If I had wronged her — but that cursed scroll — 

Evad. It is much better we should meet no more — 
Leave me, my lord ! — Mistress ! — ■ 

Vic. If I had wronged her ! — 
Were it possible, Ludovico, 
Who, well I know, doth at his heart abhor me, 
Had framed a counterfeit? 

Evad. 1 will not descend 
To vindicate myself — dare to suspect me — 
My lord, I am to guess that you came here, 
To speak your soul's revolt, and to demand 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. 29 

Your plighted vows again — If for this 
You tarry here, I freely give you back 
Your late repented faith— Farewell for ever ! 

[As she is going out. 
Vic. Evadne ! 
Evad. Well, my lord ?— 
Vic. Evadne, stay! — 
Evad. Vicentio ! 

[With a look of reproaching remonstrance. 
Vic. Let me look in thy face — 
Sure if a fiend did with a look like thine 
Appear before the golden gates of heaven, 
The guarding-angel there would think it was 
A sister-spirit of the blessed, and bid 
The harmonious hinges turn to let thee in. 
Oh ! 'tis impossible ! — I was bemocked, 
And cheated by that villain! — nothing false 
Sure ever looked like thee, and if thou wilt 
But swear — — 

Evad. What should I swear ? — 
Vic. That you did not 
Betray me to the King. 
Evad. Never ! — 
Vic. Nor e'er 
Didst write in love to him ? 

Evad. Oh ! never, never! — I perceive, Vicentio, 
Some villain hath abused thy credulous ear — 
But no ! — I will not now inquire it of thee — 
When I am calmer — I must hence betimes, 
To chase these blots of sorrow from my face, — 
For if Colonna should behold me weep, 
So tenderly he loves me, that I fear 



30 EVADNE, [Act II. 

His hot, tempestuous nature — Why, Vicentio, 
Do you still wrong me with a wildered eye 
That sheds suspicion ? — Why, Vicentio, 
Do you peruse me thus ? 

Vic. I now remember 
Another circumstance, Ludovico 
Did tell me as I came — I do not see 
My picture on her bosom. 

Evad. Well, Vicentio, 
Hath jealousy's wild flow returned again? 
Does the tide rise beneath the ruling moon ? 

Vic. When I departed hence, about your neck 
1 hung my pictured likeness, which mine eyes, 
Made keen by jealous vigilance, perchance 
Desire upon your breast. 

Evad. And, is that all ? 
And in such fond and petty circumstance 
Seek you suspicion's nourishment? — Vicentio, 
I must disclose my weakness — here, Vicentio, 
I have pillowed your dear image on a heart 
You should not have distrusted. 

[She draws the King's Picture from her Bosom. 

Here it is 

And now, my lord, suspect me if you can. 

Vic. (starting.) A horrid phantom, more accursed than e'er 
Yet crossed the sleep of frenzy, stares upon me — 
Speak — speak at once — nay, do not seem of stone — 
I '11 turn thee back to horrid life again, 
And if it be the villain that has wronged me, 
Here — let it blast thee too. 

Evad. Sure, some dark spell, 
Some fearful witchery ; I am struck to ashes,— 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. 31 

Amazement, like the lightning — give it me, 

And I will fix it in my very eyes, 

Clasp it against my sight— 'Tis not Vicentio !— 

Vic. It is the King!— 

Evad. Oh ! do not yield it faith,— 
Give not thy senses credence ! Oh, Vicentio, 
I am confounded, maddened, lost, Vicentio ! 
Some daemon paints it on the coloured air — 
'Tis not reality that stares upon me ! — 
Oh ! hide it from my sight ! 

Vic. Chance has betrayed thee, 
And saves my periled honour — Here, thou all fraud, 
Thou mass of painted perjury, — thou woman ! — 
And now I have done with thee, and pray to heaven 
I ne'er may see thee more — But, hold ! — I must 
Recall that wish again — The time will come 
When I would look on thee — a little while 
Thou wilt roll in gilded infamy along, 
With all the pomp that tends the courtly sin 
Done in a prince's arms — Thou wilt appear 
High in thy regal state, as in the car 
Of swan-drawn Venus ! — But, be sure at last 
Thy turn will come, for Love has got his wheel 
As well as Fortune — then, Evadne, then, 
When the world's scorn is on thee, let me see 
Thee, old in youth, and bending 'neath the load 
Of sorrow, not of time — then let me see thee, 
And mayest thou, as I pass, lift up thy head 
But once from the sad earth, and then, Evadne, 
Look down again for ever ? [Exit. 

(Evadne at first not perceiving that he is gone, and 
recovering from her stupefaction. 

Evad. I will swear — 
Give it back to me — Oh '. I am innocent ! 



32 EVADNE, [Act II 

Enter Colonna — she rushes up to him, mistaking 
him for a moment for Vicentio. 
By heaven, I am innocent ! 

Col. Who dares to doubt it i 
Who knows thee of that noble family 
That cowardice in man, or wantonness 
In woman never tarnished ? — 

Evad. He is gone! (aside.) 

Col. But, how is this, Evadne ? In your face 
I read a wildered air has ta'en the place 
Of that placidity that used to shine 
For ever on thy holy countenance. 

Evad. Now, as I value my Vicentio' s life — 

Col. One of love's summer clouds, I doubt me, sister, 
Hath floated o'er you, tho' 'twere better far 
That it had left no rain-drops. — What has happened? 

Evad. There's nothing has befallen, only — 

Col. What, only? 

Evad. I pray you pardon me — I must begone ! 

Col. Evadne, stay ! let me behold you well — 
Why do you stand at distance ? nearer still, 
Evadne ! — 

Evad. Well?— 

Col. Vicentio — 

Evad. (assuming an affected lightness of manner) 
Why, Colonna — 

Think you that I'm without my sex's arts, 
And did not practise all the torturings 
That make a woman's triumph ? 

Col. 'Twas not well. 
I hoped thee raised above all artifice 
That makes thy sex but infancy matured. 
I was at first inclined to follow him, 
And ask what this might mean ? 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. 33 

Evad. Then he had told 

That I had played the tyrant.— Had you seen 

How like my peevish lap-dog he appeared 

Just beaten with a fan — Ha! ha! Colonna, 

You will find us all alike — Ha ! ha ! my heart 

Will break if I stay longer — pardon me, 

Colonna, I must leave you — Oh ! Vicentio ! 

(Bursts into tears*) 
Col. Farewell ! 

Evad. What would you do ? 

Col. Let all the world 
Hold me a slave, and hoard upon my head 
Its gathered infamy — be all who bear 
Colonna's name scorn-blighted — may disgrace 
Gnaw off all honour from my family, 
If I permit an injury to thee 
To 'scape Colonna' s vengeance ! — 

Evad. Hold, my brother! 
I will not leave thy sight ! 

Col. Then follow me, 
And if thou art abandoned, after all 
Vicentio's plighted faith, thou shalt behold — 
By heavens, an emperor should not do thee wrong, 
Or if he did, tho' I had a thousand lives, 
I had given them all to avenge thee. — I '11 inquire 
Into this business ; and if I find 
Thou hast lost a lover, I will give him proof, 
I've my right arm, and thou thy brother still ! [Exeunt. 



END OF THE SECOND ACT, 



34 EVADNE, [Act III, 



ACT III. 



SCENE I. 

A Street in Naples — the front of Olivia's House. 
Enter Ludovico and Vicentio. 

Lud. THERE is Olivia's house ! 

Vic. Thou hast resolved me. 
I thank thee for thy counsel, and at once 
Speed to its dread performance. [He raps at the door. 

Enter Servant. 
'Bides the lady Olivia in her home ? 

Serv. She does, my lord. [Exit* 

Vic. Farewell, Ludovico ! thou seest, my friend, 
For such I ever hold thee, that I pass 
The stream of destiny. Thou sayest, Ludovico, 
'Tis necessary for my fame. 

Lud. No less. — 
By marrying Olivia you disperse 
The noises that abroad did sully you, 
Of having given consent to play the cloak 
To the king's dalliance. 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 35 

Vic. Oh, speak of it 
No more, Ludovico — farewell, my friend, 
I will obey your counsels. — [Exit into Olivia's house. 

Lud. Fare you well, 
My passionate, obsequious instrument, 
Whom now I scorn so much, I scarcely let thee 
Reach to the dignity of being hated. 

Enter the King, disguised. 

King. My faithful servant, my Ludovico ! 

Lud. My prince ! I did not hope to meet you here !-— . 
What, in thismasqued attire, has made you veil 
The dazzling brightness of your royalty, 
And led you from your palace ? 

King. I have ta'en 
Concealment's wonted habit, to escape 
The hundred eyes of curiosity, 
And, wearied with rotatory course 
Of dull unchanging pleasure, sought for thee. 
Shall she be mine, Ludovico ? 

Lud. My liege, 
I marvel not at the impatient throb 
Of restless expectation in your heart, 
" For she is fairer than the ideal forms 
" Of purest beauty in the raptured soul 
H Of him w f ho sang Orlando's frenzied love, 
" Or the soft tale of Sion's liberty." — 
And know, my liege, that not in vain I toil, 
To waft you to her bosom, for Vicentio 
Renounces her for ever ! 

King. Dost thou say 
Vicentio hath renounced her ? 

f2 



36 EVADNE, [Act IL 

Lud. Yes my liege, 
Not only has abandoned her, but moved 
By my wise counsels, hath already prayed 
The fair Olivia's hand. 

King. How, my Ludovico, 
Didst thou accomplish it? 

Lud. I turned to use 
The passion of Olivia ; " round the soul 
" Of your Evadne did she wind herself; 
" That she might win some evidence at last 
" To shed into Vicentio's credulous ear 
il The maddening pestilence of jealousy. 
" And soon 'twas gained ; for " while Evadne traced 
A letter to Vicentio, suddenly 
The news of his expected coming reached 
Her panting breast, and in the rush of joy, 
Unfinished on her table did she leave 
The page of amorous wishes, which the care 
Of unperceived Olivia, haply seized, 
And bore unto my hand— Vicentio's name 
Was drowned in hurried vocatives of love, 
As thus — " My lord — my life — my soul" — the which 
I made advantage of, and did persuade him 
'Twas written to your highness, — and with lights 
Caught from the very torch of truest love, 
I fired the furies' brands 

King. My faithful friend! 

Lud. Then with your picture did Olivia work 
Suspicion into frenzy — when he came 
From your Evadne's house, I threw myself, 
As if by fortune, in his path — I urged 
His heated passions to my purposes, 
And bade him ask Olivia's hand, to prove 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 37 

How much he scorned her falsehood. — Even now 
He makes his suit, for there Olivia dwells, 
.And as you came, he entered. 

King. But wherein 
Will this promote the crowning of my love ? 

Lud. I said Colonna's self should be the first 
To lead you to her arms — 

King. Thou didst, Ludovieo, 
The which perform'd, I '11 give thee half my realm. 

Lud. (aside.) You shall give all ! 

King. Accomplish this, my friend, 
Thou art my great Apollo ! 

Lud. No, my liege, 
You shall be Jove, and in her arms to-night, 
Will taste more joys than the Olympian did 
In golden showers in Danae's yielding heart — ^ 
" Or when he shut out Phoebus from the heavens, 
" And for a triple night he mock'd the form 
" Of sweet Alcmena's husband — while my liege, 
" I play the winged messenger of love." 

King. Ludovieo, thou art as dear tome 
As the rich circle of my royalty. 
Farewell, Ludovieo, I shall expect 
Some speedy tidings from thee — fare thee well ! 
To-night, Ludovieo. [Exit, 

Lud. To-night, you perish ! 
Colonna's dagger shall let out your blood, 
And lance your wanton, and high-swelling veins. — 
That I should stoop to such an infamy ! 
." Thy gore shall be my robe of royalty — 
" I '11 dress myself in purple with thy blood, 
" And underneath none will discern the stain 
" That now besmears my fame."—- Evadne here I 



38 EVADNE, [Act III. 

Enter Evadne. 

Not for the king, but for myself I mean, 
A feast fit for the gods ! 

Evad. (with some agitation.) My lord Ludovico— — 
Lud. The beautiful Evadne ! do you deign 
To breathe a name that is not often wont 
Thus to be wrapped in fragrance ? Lovely woman !•— 
What would the brightest maid of Italy 
Of her poor servant ? 

Evad. Sir, may I entreat 
Your knowledge where the Count Vicentio 
Bides at this present instant ? I have been informed 
He companied you here. 

Lud. It grieves me sore 
He hath done you so much wrong. 
Evad. What may you mean? 
Lud. 'Tis talked of in the whispering gallery, 
W 7 here Envy holds her court : " with brighter eyes, 
u Each rival beauty beams ; and rosier flushes, 
" Poured by malevolence into the cheek 
" Of tittering loveliness, proclaim how glad 
" Is every woman of a woman's woe." 
Who would have thought Vicentio's heart was like 
A play-thing stuck with Cupid's lightest plumes 
Thus to be tossed from one heart to another ? 
Or rather, who had thought that you were made 
For such abandonment ? 

Evad. I scarce can guess 

Lud. I did not mean to touch so nice a wound. 
If you desire to learn where now he bides, 
I can inform you. 

Evad. Where, Ludovico? 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 39 

Lud. Yonder, Evadne, in Olivia's house. 

Evad. Olivia's house ? what would he there ? 

Lud. You know 
Vicentio and Olivia are to-day 

Evad. My lord? 

Lud. Are to be married — 

Evad. Married, my lord? 
Vicentio and Olivia to be married ? — 

Lud. I am sorry that it moves you thus — Evadne ; 
Had I been used as thatingrate, be sure 
I ne'er had proved like him — I would not thus 
Have flung thee like a poppy from my heart, 
A drowsy sleep-provoking flower — Evadne, 
I had not thus deserted you ! [Exit, 

Evad. Vicentio, 
Olivia and Vicentio to be married ? 
I heard it — yes— I am sure I did— Vicentio ! . 
Olivia to be married ! — and Evadne, 
Whose heart was made of adoration — 
Vicentio in her house ? there — underneath 
That woman's roof — behind the door that looks s 
To shut me out from hope — I will myself— — 

[Advancing, then checking herself, 
I do not dare to do it — but he could not — 
He could not use me thus — he could not— Ha ! 

[Vicentio enters from Olivia's House. 

Vic. Evadne here ? 

Evad. Would I had been born blind, 
Not to behold the fatal evidence 
Of my abandonment ! — Am I condemned 
Even by the ocular proof, to be made sure 
That I 'm a wretch for ever! — 

Vic. Does she come 



40 EVADNE, [Act. Ill 

After the fashion of all womankind. 

To bate me with reproaches I or does she dare 

To think that she can angle me again 

To the vile pool wherein she meant to catch me ? 

I '11 pass her with the bitterness of scorn, 

Her falsehood has extorted from my heart, 

Nor seem to know her present to my sight. 

\He passes Evadne. 
She looks upon me with a speechless gaze 
That seems half sorrow, half astonishment, 
Now I am at least revenged . [Going* 

Evad. My lord, I pray you — 
My lord, I dare entreat — Vicentio — 

Vic. Who calls upon Vicentio ? Was it you ? 
What would you with him, for 1 bear the name. 

Evad. Sir, I 

Vic. Go on — I'll taunt her to the quick — 
Ludovico, I thank thee for thy lore ] 
In the deep science of a woman's heart.-*- 

Evad. My lord, I 

Vic. Pray you speak— I cannot guess 
By such wild broken phrase what you would have 
Of one who knows you not. 

Evad. Not know me ? 

Vic. No- 
Let me look in your face — there is indeed 
Some faint resemblance to a countenance 
Once much familiar to Vicentio's eyes, 
But 'tis a shadowy one — she that I speak of 
Was full of virtues as the milky way 
Upon a frozen night is thick with stars. 
She was as pure as an untasted fountain, 
Fresh as an April blossom, kind as love, 
As meek as patience, as religion holy, 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 41 

And good as infants giving charity ! — 
Such was Evadne — fare you well ! 

Evad. My lord, 
Is 't true what 1 Ve heard ? — 

Vic. What have you heard ? 

Evad. Speak — are you to be married — let me hear it — 
Thank God I \e strength to hear it. 

Vic. I scarce guess 
What interest you find in one that deems 
Himself a stranger to you. 

Evad. Sir 

Vic. But if 
You are indeed solicitous to learn 
Aught that imports me, learn that I to-day 
Have asked the fair Olivia's hand, in place of one — 

Evad. You have bedewed with tears, and that henceforth 
Will feel no lack of tears, though they may fall 
From other eyes than yours. — So then, Vicentio, 
Fame did not wrong you — You are to be married ? — 

Vic. To one within whose heart as pure a fire 
As in the shrine of Vesta long has burned. 
Not the coarse flame of a corrupted heart, 
To every worship dedicate alike, 
A false perfidious seeming. — 

Evad. I implore you 
To spare your accusations. — I am come — 

Vic. Doubtless, to vindicate yourself. — 

Evad. Oh, no!— 
An angel now would vainly plead my cause 
Within Vicentio's heart — therefore, my lord, 
I have no intent to interrupt the rite 
That makes that lady yours ; but I am come 
Thus breathless as you see me — would to God 



42 EVADNE, [Act HI. 

I could be tearless too ! — you will think, perhaps, 
That 'gainst the trembling fearfulness I sin, 
That best becomes a woman, and that most 
Becomes a sad abandoned one.— 

Vic. Evadne — 
Evadne, you deceive yourself. 

Evad. I knew 
I should encounter this — Vicentio, 
False as you are 

Vic. Perfidious — pardon me, 
I have not e'en the right to upbraid you now— 
We are henceforth as strange as tho' our eyes 
Had never yet encountered. 

Evad. Oh, Vicentio, 
I will endure all this — nay, more, my lord, 
Hear ail the vengeance I intend. — 

Vic. Go on. — 

Evad. May you be happy with that happier maid 
That never could have loved you more than I do, 
But may deserve you better.— May your days, 
Like a long stormless summer, glide away, 
And peace and trust be with you — May you be 
The after-patterns of felicity, 
That lovers, when they wed, may only wish 
To be as blest as you were— loveliness 
Dwell round about you like an atmosphere 
Of our soft southern air, where every flower 
In Hymen's yellow wreath may bloom and blow. 
Let nature with the strong domestic bond 
Of parent tenderness unite your hearts 
In holier harmony ; and when you see 
What you both love, more ardently adore ! 
And when at last you close your gentle lives, 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 43 

Blameless as they were blessed, may you fall 

Into the grave as softly, as the leaves 

Of two sweet roses on an autumn eve, 

Beneath the small sighs of the western wind, 

Drop to the earth together ! — for myself — 

I will but pray — (sobbing.) I will but pray, my lord. 

Vic. I must begone, else she may soon regain 
A mastery o'er my nature. 

Evad. Oh, Vicentio, 
I see that I am doomed a trouble to you. 
I shall not long be so. I soon shall cease 
To be of care to you, or to myself, 
Or to aught else in this gay glittering world — • 
There ? s but one trouble I shall ever give 
To any one again. I will but pray 
The Maker of the lonely beds of peace 
To open one of his deep hollow ones, 
Where misery goes to sleep, and let me in ;— 
If ever you chance to pass beside my grave, 
I am sure you 5 11 not refuse a little sigh, 
And if my friend, (I still will call her so) 
My friend, Olivia, chide you, prithee tell her 
Not to be jealous of me in my grave. 

Vic. The picture ? in your bosom near your heart — 
There on the very swellings of your breast, 
The very shrine of chastity, you raised 
A foul and cursed idol ! — Speak, Evadne, 
I '11 try to lend thee faith — nay, I am willing — 

Evad. You did not give me time — no — not a moment 
To think what villany was wrought, to make me 
So hateful to your eyes — It is too late, 
You are Olivia's, I have no claim to you — 
You have renounced me — 

g 2 



44 EVADNE, [Act III. 

Vic. Come, confess — confess — 

Evad. What then should I confess? that you, that heaven, 
That all the world seem to conspire against me, 
And that I am accursed — But let me hold — 
I waste me in the selfishness of woe, 
While life perchance is periled— Oh, Vicentio, 
Prithee avoid Colonna's sight! 

Vic. Evadne. 
You do not think to fright me with his name. 

Evad. Vicentio, do not take away from me 
All that I've left to love in all the world ! 
Avoid Colonna's sight to-day — Vicentio, 
Only to-day avoid him — I will find 
Some way to reconcile him to my fate — 
1 '11 lay the blame upon my hapless head !— * 
Only to-day, Vicentio. 

Enter Colonna. 

Col. Ha! my sister! 
Where is thy dignity ? where is the pride 
Meet for Colonna's sister ? — hence ! — my lord— 

Vic. What would you, Sir ? 

Col. Your life — you are briefly answered. 
Look here, Sir — To this lady you preferred 
Your despicable love ! Long did you woo, 
And when at last by constant adoration, 
Her sigh revealed that you were heard, you gained 
Her brother's cold assent — Well then — no more — 
For I 've no patience to repeat by cause 
The wrong that thou hast done her. It has reached 
Colonna's ear that you have abandoned her — 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 45 

It rings thro' Naples, my good lord — now, mark me — 
I am her brother — 

Vic. Well— 

Evad. Forbear! forbear! 
I have no injury you should resent 
In such a fearful fashion — I — my brother — 
I am sure I never uttered a complaint 
Heaved with one sigh, nor shed a single tear. 
Look at me, good Colonna ! — now, Colonna 
Can you discern a sorrow in my face ? 
I do not weep — I do not — look upon me — 
Why I can smile, Colonna. [Bursts into tears* 

Oh ! my brother ! — 

Col. You weep, Evadne ! but I '11 mix your tears 
With a false villain's blood. — If you have left 
A sense of aught that 's noble in you still— 

Vic. My lord, you do mistake, if you have hope 
Vicentio's name was e'er designed to be 
The cloak of such vile purpose — 

Col. How ? explain — 
I understand you not. 

Evad. Forbear, Colonna ; 
Before your face, and in the face of heaven, 
1 do resign him-~let his vows to me 
Be razed from out the registry of sin, 
As they are from my bosom — I forgive him, 
And may heaven follow my example too ! 

Col. But I will not, Evadne — I shall deal 
In briefest phrase with you — Is 't true, my lord, 
You have abandoned her ? 

Vic, Is't true, my lord, 
That to the King 

Col. The King ? 



46 EVADNE, [Act III. 

Vic. And could you think 
That I am to be made an instrument 
For such a foul advancement ? do you think 
That I would turn my name into a cloak ? — 

Evad. Colonna, my dear brother. Oh, Vicentio ! 
My love, my life, my — pardon me, my lord, 
I had forgot — I have no right to use 
Words that were once familiar to my lips : 
But, for Heaven's sake, I do implore you here — 

Col, Sir, you said something, if I heard aright, 
Touching the King — explain yourself. 

Vic. I will ! 
I will not wed his mistress ! 

Evad. (with reproach.) Oh, Vicentio ! 

Col. Whom mean you, Sir? 

Vic. Look there ! 

Col. Evadne! ha? 

Vic Evadne! 

Col. (strikes him.) Here 5 s my answer ! follow me ! 
Beyond the city's gates, I shall expect you. [Exit. 

Evad. (clinging to Vicentio, who has drawn his 
sword). 
You shall not stir ! 

Vic If from his heart I poured 
A sea of blood, it would not now content me. 
Insolent villain ! dost thou stay me back ? 
Away ! unloose me ! 

Evad. Hear me ! 

Vic Dost thou dare 
Still like my honour's shroud to hang about me ? 

Evad. Olivia, hear me — listen to my cry — 
It is thy husband's life that now I plead for ; 
I cannot hold his garment, but I know 



Scene L] Or, THE STATUE. 47 

Thou wilt have power upon him — Save, oh, save him! 

Vic. Then must I fling thee from me — Now I am free, 
And swift as lightning on the whirlwind's wings, 
I rush to my revenge ! [Exit Vicentio. 

Evadne, who has fallen upon her knees in her struggle 
with Vicentio. 

Evad. God help my heart ! 
Choak not, thou struggling spirit, in my breast, 
But leave me still the power to lift the cry 
That bursts within my bosom ! — hear me, Olivia ! 
Olivia, hear me ! 

Enter Olivia from her House. 

Oliv. Is't Evadne calls 
Like one that with a frantic energy 
In lire cries out for life ? 

Evad. I cry for life— 
Vicentio's life— Col onna's life — Olivia, 
Look not thus cold and marble on my face— 
1 do not come to chide thee. To thy love 
I will resign him all, but, on my knees, 
I beg thee to preserve him ! 

Oliv. Whom dost talk off? 

Evad. You have power o'er him that I no more possess; 
Had he e'er loved me as he loves thee now, 
I had been stronger when around his neck 
I flung me to preserve him. — Oh, my friend ! 
Colonna, maddened at my miseries, 
And 1 confess that I am miserable, 
Hath vowed a horrid vengeance, and even now 
He smote Vicentio ! 

Oliv. Heaven ! 

Evad. I prithee, look not 
Misdoubtingly upon me — do not ask 



48 EVADNE, [Act III. 

The touch of their cold corpses to convince thee — 
Oh ! fly to save — thy husband — he will heed 
Thy supplication, though he scorn my tears — 
Why dost thou stand thus muttering to thyself? 
Hast thou not wings to save him ? 

Oliv. I am punished 
With dreadful retribution ! from my heart 
All my base fraud is driven into my lips, 
And in the dire confession of my guilt 
Thou art avenged, Evadne ! — To himself 
I dare not own it — but to thee reveal 
The vileness I have practised. 

Evad. Speak! 

Oliv. Evadne, 
I have foully wronged thee — yet, what I have done 
Was by a daemon uttered to my heart. 
The hasty moments will not let me now 
Detail the base machinery of my sin. 
But with a letter— 

Evad. Ha! it breaks upon me! 
The light is blazing in my brain — the picture ? 
Olivia — speak — the picture ? 

Oliv. When to me 
Thou didst commit that token of his heart 
In the wild rapturous tremor of thy joy, 
I seized advantage of Vicentio's coming, 
And placed within thine unsuspecting hand — 

Evad. That horrid image that appeared to fill 
My bosom with perdition, and did make me 
Unto myself so horrible — 'twas you — 
It was my friend Olivia ! 

Oliv. The strong power 
Of an unhappy passion, stung to rage 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. 49 

By a false villain's counsels, drove me on — 
But the black sin was only half my own — 

Evad. What must be guilt, when it is such a hell 
But to seem guilty ? — but I pardon thee — 
For after having plunged my soul in fire, 
Thou hast steeped me in Elysium. 

Oliv. I myself, 
Will to the king, and bid him send his power 
To interpose between them — thou, Evadne, 
Wilt speak my guilt. 

Evad. Oh, my Vicentio! 
What a triumphant heart I bear to thee, 
I feel it trembling like a happy bird 
Just loosened to the air, with wings outspread 
To soar to its own liquid element ! 
Love give thy swiftest pinions to my flight, 
Waft me to my unkind Vicentio, 
That I may play the tyrant for awhile, 
Chide him with fond reproach, until at last 
I throw myself all rapturous in his arms, 
Burst into tears of transport, and forgive him ! 

[Exeunt severally. 



END OF TTUi THIRD ACT. 



H 



50 EVADNE, [Act IV. 



ACT IV, 



SCENE 1. 

A Street. 

Enter Colonna and Vxcentio, with their Swords drawn — ■ 
passing across. 

Col. x ONDER, my lord, beside the cypress grove 
Fast by the church-yard — there 's a place, methinks, 
Where we may 'scape the eye of observation. 

Vic. I follow, Sir — the neighbourhood of the grave 
Will suit our purpose well, for you or I 
Must take its measure ere the sun be set. [Exeunt. 

Ludovico enters as they go off. 

Lud. Ha ! there they go! — the furies, with their whips 
Of hissing serpents, lash you to your fate — 
My dull and passionate fools — you fall at last 
Into the pit I have dug for you — the grave — 
You grasp the murdering hilt, while I, in thought, 
Already clench the glorious staff of empire. 
I hate you both ! — One of you has denounced me — 
The other, robbed me of a woman's love, — 
And both would in the state employ their power 
To cut the eagle-pinions of my soul, 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 53 

Nor let me perch upon the glorious top 
Of golden royalty where I aspire ! — 
They have already entered in the grove 
Of funeral cypress that above their heads 
Hangs in pale augury — Now they are lost 
Amid the crowded trunks — and yet a moment 
And they will be about it ! — Now, Vicentio, 
Thy fate is sealed — Colonna's arm is famed 
Where all are skilled in death, and on thy breast 
The fierce, impetuous soldier turns the point 
Where sits mortality ! — Ha ! who comes here ? 
Evadne ! — yes — my eyes deceive me not — 
'Twas happiest chance that led me to the field — 
She must be interrupted — let me think — 
1 have it — 

En^er Evadne. 

Evad. For heaven's sake, whoe'er you are, 
Tell me which way they passed — doth not this lead 
To the eastern gate of the city — Ha ! Ludovico ! 
My lord, my lord — my brother, and Vicentio— — 

Lud. I know it all — and I shall thank the fate 
That made Ludovico the messenger 
Of such blest tidings to Evadne's ear — 
Your brother and Vicentio. 

Evad. Speak, my lord — 
For heaven's sake, speak ! 

Lud. They are secure — thank heaven, 
Their purpose is prevented — Prithee, Evadne, 
No longer seem a lily in the wind, 
But bloom in soft tranquillity again ! 
Chase terror from those eyes, and beam, sweet maid, 
In still and peaceful loveliness ! 

H 2 



52 EVADNE, [Act IV. 

Evad. Secure! 
My brother and Vicentio are secure ; 
Their purpose is prevented — Oh, my lord, 
Do you not mock me with a sound so blest ? 

Lud. By providential circumstance, before 
Their purpose was accomplished, both were seized, 
And all their furious passions are as hushed 
As the still waters of yon peaceful bay. 

Evad. Ludovico, I cannot speak how much 
Thou has bound me to thee, by the holy sounds 
Thou hast breathed upon mine ear ! — But, tell me, Sir, 
Where, how, and when was this ? What blessed hand 
Between their wrath hath stretched its heavenly mercy, 
And saved two lives more dear unto my heart 
Than the strong pulse of life, thy words have waked 
To such a rapturous throbbing ! — Speak, my lord, 
To whom should I fall down, and from mine eyes 
Strive to pour out my bosom in my tears. 

Lud. 'Twas 1 ! 

Evad. 'Twas you, Ludovico ? 

Lud. The same ! 
Hearing Olivia's marriage with Vicentio, 
I saw the dreadful issue, and I flew 
With the strong arm of power to intercept them. 

Evad. 'Twas you, Ludovico — what shall I say ? 
I know net what to tell you — But, God bless you ! 
A thousand times God bless you ! — On my knees, 
And at your feet I thank you. [She kneels. 

Lud. They are about it ! 

[ Aside, and looking tozeards the grove. 
" How beautiful she looks ! — 1 never yet 
" Beheld a fairer creature! — Oh, Vicentio — 
" Did she prefer thee to me ?— let it be so — 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 53 

" She yet will be mine own ! — Arise, Evadne ! 

" If I had given my life, upon my grave 

" You should not thus have thanked me — beautiful woman! 

u The gaze of those soft eyes, and the soft touch 

" Of those fair hands I dare to press in mine, 

" Have given me boundless recompense — Evadne ! — 

" Evad. My lord, I pray you " 

Lud. Beautiful Evadne ! 
Loveliest beneath the skies, where every thing 
Grows lovely as themselves — Nay, do not bend 
Your eyes, and hide beneath these fleecy clouds 
Stars beaming as the evening one, nor turn 
That cheek away, that, like a cold rose, seems 
Besprankt with snow ! — nor strive to win from me 
Those hands, which he who formed the lily, formed 
With imitative whiteness — I will presume, 
For your dear sight hath made a madman of me, 
To press my rapture here • [Kisses her hand. 

Evad. My lord, I own, 
That you surprise me, and were I not bound 
By strenuous obligation, I should say, 
Perchance, you did offend me— -But I "will not ! 
Accept my gratitude, and be you sure 
These thanks are from a warm and honest heart. 
Farewell — I do forgive 

Lud. You fly me then! 

Evad. I do not fly your presence, but I go 
To seek my brother's bosom — 

Lud. And Vicentio's ! 

Evad. You would be merry, Sir. 

Lud. I have not cause — 
Nor shall you, Madam — You would fly me thus, 



54 EVADNE, [Act IV. 

To rush at once into my rival's arms — 

Nay, do not start — he well deserves the name — 

I know him by no other. 

Evad. Sir, I hope 
You will not revive a subject that has long 
Between us been forgotten. 

Lud. What ! forgotten ? 
I did not think to hear it — said you forgotten ? 
Nay, do not think you leave me — in return 
For such small service as I have done to-day, 
I beg your audience — tell me what ? s forgotten? 
I would hear it from "your lips. 

Evad. I did not mean — 
Forgive, and let me go. 

Lud. What ? what forgotten ? 
Your heartlessness to all the maddening power 
Of the tumultuous passions in my heart ! 
What ! what forgotten ? all the injuries 
You have cast upon my head — the stings of fire 
You have driven into my soul — my agonies, 
My tears, my supplications, and the groans 
Of my indignant spirit ! I can hold 
My curbed soul no more- — it rushes out 
"What ! what forgotten ? — me — Ludovico ! 

Evad. I pray you, my good lord, for heaven's sake, hear 
me. 

Lud. What ! to behold him like a pilferer, 
With his smooth face of meanless infancy. 
And his soft moulded body, steal away 
That feathered thing, thy heart. 

Evad. Ludovico, 
What may this sudden fury mean — you do 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 55 

But act these horrid passions to affright me '. 
For you to-day preserved hfm, did you not ? 
Did you not say you saved Vicentio ? 

Lud. I will permit you shortly to embrace him — 
I will not long detain you from his arms — 
But you will find him grown as cold a lover 
As moonlight statues— his fond arms will hang 
In loosened idleness about your form, — 
And from those lips where you were wont imbibe 
The fiery respiration of the heart, 
You will touch the coldness of the unsunned snow, 
Without its purity. 

Evad. I now perceive 
What you would hint, my lord ;— doubtless you deem 
Vicentio hath preferred Olivia's love ? 

Lud. If you can wake his heart to love again, 
I '11 hold you for a sorceress — no, Evadne, 
You ne'er shall be Vicentio's — but mine ! 

Evad. Yours ! 

Lud. Mine ! — I have said it, and before to-night 
I '11 verify the prophecy. 

Evad. I know not 
What lies within the dark and horrid cave 
Of your imagination ; but be sure 
I had rather clasp Vicentio dead — I see 
That you recoil with passion. 

Lud. By the fires — 
Down, down, my burning heart ! — So you would rather 
Within Vicentio's cold and mouldering shroud 
Warm into love, than on this beating heart. 
But, be it so — you will have occasion soon 
To try the experiment, — and then, Evadne, 
You will more aptly judge. 



56 EVADNE, [Act IV. 

Evad. Ha! a strong glare, 
Like the last flash from sinking ships, has poured 
A horrid radiance on me — Ha ! Ludovico — 
Let it be frenzy that before my face 
Spreads out that sheet of blood— thou fiend from hell I 

Lud. Well, my Evadne? 

Evad. Daemon, hast thou mocked me ? 

Lud. Didst thou not scorn — didst thou not madden me? 
Didst thou not — Ha ! [Perceiving Colonna. 

By heavens, it is himself! — 
All is accomplished — and upon my front 
Me thinks I clasp the round of royalty! 
Already do I clasp thee in mine arms ! — 
Evadne ! — There — look there — Colonna comes, 
And on that weapon flaming from afar 
He bears the vengeance of Ludovico. 

[Exit Ludovico. 

Enter Colonna with a Sword. 

Col. Evadne, here ! 

Evad. My brother! 

Col. Call me so — 
For I have proved myself to be thy brother. 
Look here ! — 

Evad. There' s blood upon it ! 

Col. And there should be. 

Evad. Thou hast — 

Col. I have revenged thee ! 

Evad. Thou hast slain — 
Villain, thou hast slain Vicentio ? 

Col. I have revenged thee— 
For any wrong done to my single self, 
I should, perhaps, repent me of the deed ; 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 57 

But, for a wrong to thee — Why dost thou look 
Up to the heavens with such a wildered gaze ? 

Evad. To curse thee and myself, and all the world ! 
Villain, thou hast slain Vicentio — thou hast slain him 
Who was as dear unto my frantic heart, 
As thou art horrible ! — and 'tis to me 
Thou comest to tell it too — thou comest to bear 
That weapon weltering with my lover's blood, 
And stab these blasted eye-balls — Hide thee, villain ! 
Hide thee within the centre of the earth ! — 
Thou art all made of blood— and to the sun 
Art grown detestable — Vicentio ! 
My lord ! my bosom's throb 1— my pulse of life ! 
My soul ! my joy — my love ! — my all the world! 
Vicentio ! Vicentio ! 

Col. No more ! 
He merits not thy sorrows. 

Evad. That fiend ! 
That villain, for whose black, accursed heart 
Another penal world should be created ! 
Invent, Omnipotence, some fiercer orb 
Than has been yet created for the damned, 
And in its burning centre plunge the fiend 
That mocked me into blood ! 

Col. Thy passionate grief 
Doth touch me more than it beseems mine honour. 

Evad. Strike that infernal weapon thro' my heart ! 
Here — stab me thro' and thro'— here — lay me dead 
Before thy feet— kill me — in mercy, kill me ! — 
If thou wilt do it, I will promise thee 
Forgiveness in the other world for all 
Thy cruelty to me, — Strike, strike, Colonna— 
Not on thyself do I pronounce my curse, 

I 



58 EVADNE, [Act IV. 

I do recall my imprecations, 
To pull them down on my own guilty head !— 
' Twas I that murdered him — Ludovico 
And I do share his life between us both, 
And be it on our heads — Colonna, kill me ! 
Kill me, my brother ! 

Col. Prithee, my Evadne, 
Let me conduct thy grief to secresy — 
I must from hence prepare my speedy flight, 
For now my head is forfeit to the law ! 

Enter Spalatro, with Guards. 

Spal. Behold him here. — Sir, I am sorry for 
The duty which mine office hath prescribed ! 
You are my prisoner. j 

Col. Sir, there is need 
Of little words to excuse you — I was talking 
Of speeding me from Naples, as you came, 
But I scarce grieve you interrupt my flight, — 
Here is my sword. 

Spal. You are doomed to death ! 

Evad. To death! 

Spal. The king himself, 
Hearing your combat with Vicentio, 
Hath sworn, that who survived, shall by the axe — 

Col. You speak before a woman— I was well 
Acquainted with my fate before you spoke it. — 

Evad. Death! must you die, Colonna! must you die ? 
Oh ! no — no — no ! not die, Sir, — Say not die — 

Col. Retire, my sister — Sir, 1 follow you — 

Evad. Oh, not die, Colonna! no Colonna, 
They shall not take thee from me ! 

Col. My sweet sister ! 



Scene L] Or, THE STATUE. 59 

I pray you, gentlemen, one moment more-^- 

This lady is my sister, and indeed 

Is now my only kin in all the world, 

And I must die for her sake — my sweet sister ! 

Evad. No, no, not die, my brother — Oh! not die ! 

Col. Evadne ! sweet Evadne ! Let me hear 

[Evadne becomes gradually insensible, 
Thy voice before 1 go — I prithee, speak — 
That even in death I may remember me 
Of its sweet sounds, Evadne — She has fainted ! 
I pray, you may not wake from lethargy, 
Till the last blow shall sever me from earth — 
Sir, I have a prayer to you. — 

Spal. It shall be granted. 

Col. My palace is hard by — let some of these 
Good guardians of the law attend me thither. 

[Evadne heaves a long sigh. 
Ah ! what a heaving from the heart was there ! 
How cold this cheek — for the last time I press 
A brother's kiss upon it — ha ! a tear 
Hangs on that eye-lid that 's scarce big enough 
To fall along that cold and marble face — 
Evadne, for thy sake, I am almost loth 
To leave a world, the which, when I am gone 
Thou wilt find, I fear, a solitary one ! 

[Exit, bearing Evadne, and followed by Guards* 



\% 



60 EVADNE, [Act IV. 

SCENE II. 

A Prison. 
Enter Ludovico, meeting Spalatro. 

Lud. Not here '—where is Colonna? who shall dare 
To tell me he has escaped ? — 

Spal. Guarded he bore 
His sister to his palace, from the which 
He will be soon led here. — 

" Lud. If he had 'scaped, 
" My projects from this teeming brain at once 
" Abortively were ripped. But, as it is, 
" His momentary absence doth become 
" What I would speak to thee — I prithee here — " 
Spalatro, as 1 passed, a rumour came, 
Colonna' s sword had but half done the work, 
And that Vicentio was not stabbed to death— 
If he still lives —but till I am sure of it, 
No need to speak my resolution,- — 
Thou art his friend — 

Spal. Such I'm indeed accounted, 
But, save yourself, none doth deserve the name. 

Lud. Then, hie thee hence, Spalatro, to inform me, 
If yet Vicentio breathes, and afterwards, 
I'll make some trial of thy love to me. [Exit Spalatro. 

Enter Colonna and Guards. 
Col. Conduct me to my dungeon ! — I have parted 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. 61 

From all that bound my bosom to the world — 
Ludovico ! — 

Lud. The same ! 

Col. Come you, my lord, 
To swill with drunken thirst, the poor revenge 
That makes a little mind's ignoble joy? 

Lud. Guards! I discharge Colonna from your care,-— 
He is no more your prisoner — Hence ! 

[Exeunt Guards, 
My lord, 
Such is the vengeance of Ludovico ! 

Col. What is a man doomed to the stroke of death 
To understand by this ? 

Lud. That I am his friend 
Who called me traitor! 

Col. Such I call you still. 

Lud. Well then, I am a traitor. 

Col. There is here 
A kind of marvellous honesty, my lord. 

Lud. In you 'twas nobleness to bear the charge, 
And yet 'twas glory to deserve it too. 
Your father was the tutor of the king, 
And loyalty is your inheritance— 
I am not blind to such exalted virtue, 
And I resolved to win Colonna's heart, 
As hearts like his are won ! — Unto the king 
Soon as Vicentio's fate had reached mine ear, 
I hastened and implored your life. 

Col. My life !— 
Well, sir, my life? — (with indifference.) 

Lud. Upon my knees I fell, 
Nor can I speak the joy that in my heart, 
Leaped, when I heard him say, that thou should'st live. 



62 EVADNE, [Act IV 

Col. 1 am loth to owe you gratitude, my lord, 
But, for my sister's sake, whom I would not 
Leave unprotected on the earth, I thank you! 

Lud. You have no cause to thank me, for, Colonna, 
He did pronounce your death, e'en as he said 
He gave you life. 

Col. I understand you not. 

Lud. Your honour's death, Colonna, which I hold 
The fountain of vitality. 

Col. Go on! 
I scarce did hear what did concern my life, 
But aught that touches honour 

Lud. Oh! Colonna, 
" It struck me like a pestilence — -it shrunk, 
" It blighted me with horror ! — The sirocco, 
" If suddenly mid yonder summer sky 
" From Afric's waste upon its wings of fire 
" It rushed down to consume, would not have breath 
" More withering than the sounds which fell upon me." 
I almost dread to tell thee ! 

Col. Prithee, speak! 
You put me on the rack ! 

Lud. Wilt thou promise me, — 
I will not ask thee to be calm, Colonna, — 
Wilt promise me, that thou wilt not be mad? 

Col. Whate'er it be, I will contain myself. 
You said 'twas something that concern'd mine honour, 
The honour of mine house — he did not dare 
To say my blood should by a foul attaint 
Be in my veins corrupted; from their height 
The mouldering banners of my family, 
Flung to the earth ; the 'scutcheons of my fame 
Trod by dishonour's foot, and my great race 
Struck from the list of nobles ? 



Scene II.] Or, THE STATUE. 63 

Lud. No, Colonna, 
Struck from the list of men ! — he dared to ask 
As a condition for thy life, (my tongue 
Doth falter as I speak it, and my heart 
Can scarcely heave) by heavens, he dared to ask 
That to his foul, and impious clasp, thou should'st 
Yield up thy sister — 

Col. Ha! 

Lud. Barter for life 
By horrid immolation of her charms, 
Give her to profanation! — " Do not stare, 
" Like one that with imperfect sense hath left 
" Sleep's natural attitude, and walks abroad 
" In horrid slumber, with his eyes wide-stretched, 
" As if he did commune with other worlds. 
" If thou must needs be waked, 1 '11 halloo it 
" Into thine ear" — the king doth set a price 
Upon thy life, and 'tis thy sister's honour. 

Col. My sister! 

Lud. Aye! thy sister! 

Col. What! my sister! 

Lud. Yes! do you start at last? — Your sister, sir, 
Evadne ! 

Col. Thou hast plunged into mine ear 
A sword of fire, and draw'st it to and fro, 
Athwart my brain — my sister! 

Lud. Yes, Colonna! 
The beautiful Evadne! " I scarce thought 
" That living man could dare — what dost thou gaze 
" With such wild aspect on? — 

" Col. At red Vesuvius! — 
" Dost thou not yonder see the mount of fire? 
" Bellowing, and sending from the abyss of flame 



64 EVADNE, [Act IV. 

" Its entrails to the stars — hast ever heard 
" It was the mouth of hell ? 

" Lud. It is my lord, 
" The people's superstition. 

" Col. Then I would 
" Their faith were right, that to the raging brink 
" Of the red bellowing crater, I might drag him, 
" And down the gulfs of sulphur plunge him deep 
" Into the billows of eternal fire. 
" My sister! 

" Lud. Hold, Colonna !" 

Col. By yon heaven, 
Were he not born with immortality, 
I will find some way to kill him ! — tho' he had been 
Bathed twenty fathoms in the anointing Styx 
Of his damned royalty, I 'd tear his heart out! 
My sister ! 

Lud. Do not waste in idle wrath 

Col. My fathers ! do you hear it in the tomb ? 
Do not your mouldering remnants of the earth 
Feel horrid animation in the grave, 
And strive to burst the ponderous sepulchre, 
And throw it off? — My sister ! oh ! you heavens ! 
Was this reserved for me ? for me ! — the son 
Of that great man that tutored him in arms, 
And loved him as myself?—! know you wonder 
That tears are dropping from my flaming eye-lids ; 
But 'tis the steaming of a burning heart, 
And these are drops of fire — my sister ! 

Lud. Now — 
Do you now call me traitor ? Do you think 
'Twas such a crime from off my country's heart 
To fling this incubus of royalty ? — 



Scene II] 'Or, THE STATUE. 65 

Am I a traitor? is 't a sin, my lord, 

To think a dagger were of use in Naples ? 

Col. Thou shalt not touch a solitary hair 
Upon the villain's head ! — his life is mine ; 
His heart is grown my property— -Ludovico, 
None kills him but myself! — I will, this moment, 
Amid the assembled court, in face of day, 
Rush on the monster, and without a sword 
Tear him to pieces ! 

Lud. Nay, Colonna,' 
Within his court he might perchance escape you, — 
But, if you do incline to do a deed 
Antiquity would envy, — with the means 
He hath furnished you himself ! — He means, Colonna, 
In your own house that you should hold to-night 
A glorious revelry, to celebrate 
Your sovereign's sacred presence ; and so soon 
As air the guests are parted, you yourself 
Should lead your sister to him 

Col. That I should 
Convert the palace of mine ancestors 

Into a place of brothelry — myself ! 

Tell me no more, I prithee, if thou wouldst 
I should be fit for death ! — 

Lud. In honour, be 
A Roman, an Italian in revenge. 
Waste not in idle and tempestuous sound 
Thy great resolve. — The king intends to bear 
The honour of his presence to your house, — 
Nay, hold! — I'll tell him you consent — he straight 
Will fall into the snare, and then, Colonna, 
Make offering of his blood to thy revenge ! 

Col. I thank thee for thy warning — 'tis well thought on— 

K 



66 -' EVADNE, [Act IV, 

I '11 make my vengeance certain, and commend 
Thy wisdom in the counselling. — " The hope 
" Of shedding his hot blood, hath made me coo!, 
" And quench'd the fires of wrath !" 

Lud. Then, hie thee hence ! 
And make meet preparation for the banquet. 
I '11 straight return, and tell him you 're all joy 
In the honour of his coming. 

Col. Let him bring 
His purple robes to make a shroud withal, — 
" He shall be entertained, with wines of Greece, 
" And glorious sumptuousness — I '11 feast him high, 
" To make his blood the richer, with the which 
" I will make libation to revenge, and when 
" The deed is done » 

" Lud. We'll fling him in the sea 
" From off the battlements, and send his corpse 
" On the rough back of some propitious wave, 
" Yonder to Caprea's isle, the famed abode 
" Of old Tiberius, where he used to drag 
" The daughters, wives, and sisters of the chief 
" Of Rome's great senate to be sacrificed 
" To his decrepid villany ! — 'tis there, 
" fhe sea shall give him burial on the shore 
" Already sacred to atrocity, 
" 'Tis fit he rot! 

" Col. Right, right, Ludovico ! 
" I '11 hence this instant, and prepare for him — 
" And, prithee, haste him on to destiny ! " 
The rigorous muscles of my clenched hand 
Already feel impatience for the blow 
That strikes the crowned monster to the heart. 

[Exeunt sever ally. 

END OF THE FOURTH ACT. 



Or, THE STATUE. 67 



ACT V. 



SCENE I. 

A vast Hall in Colonna's Palace, filled zvith Statues. The 
Moon streams in through the Gothic Windows, and ap- 
pears to fall upon the Statues. A Chamber-door at the 
back. 

Enter the King and Ludovico. 

Lud. X HIS is the way, my liege. Colonna bade me 
Conduct you to your chamber, while he went 
To seek the fair Evadne, and conduct 
Her soft reluctance to your highness' arms. 

King. Ludovico, thou hast proved thyself to-day 
The genius of my happier destiny : 
Thee must I thank, for 'twas thy rarer wit 
Did guide me on to heaven. 

Lud. I '11 send you there, (aside.) 

King. When first I heard Vicentio fell beneath 
The hot Colonna's sword, I do confess 
It smote me sore, but now 'tis told abroad 
That he hath passed all peril. 

k 2 



68 EVADNE, [Act V. 

Lud. I am glad 
His death does not conduct you to your joys — 
Vicentio bears a slight unharming wound. 
That sheds his blood, but perils not his life : 
But let him pass — let not a thought of him 
Flit round the couch of love. 

King. Good night, my friend, 
And prithee, bid Colonna swiftly lead her 
To the expecting transports of my heart. 

Lud. 1 will bid him speed her coyness. 

King. Hie thee, Ludoviqo, 
For every moment seems an age. [Exit to Chamber. 

Lud. An age ! 
For you, nor minute, hour, nor day, nor year, 
Nor age, shall shortly be. li I do not think 
" In hell there is a time-glass ; if the damned 
u E'er ask what time it is— I 've heard priests say 
" That conscience answers — ' 'Tis eternity !' 
" Henceforth, my liege, there is no time for you." — 
'Tis now the dead of night — That sounds to me 
Like an apt word, — for nature doth to me 
Shew like a giant corse — This mighty world, 
Its wide and highly-vaulted sepulchre, 
And yonder moon a tomb-lamp! when the king 
Lies dead to boot, all things will then appear 
In a more full proportion. — Ha ! he comes!- 
My dull and unconscious instrument! — Colonna! 

Enter Colonna with a dagger. 

Welcome, my friend, for such 1 dare to call you. — 
The king 5 s already to his bed retired, 
Where death will be his paramour. 
Col. I have heard 



Scene L] Or, THE STATUE. 69 

Vicentio was not wounded unto death — 
Would this were sooner known ? 

Lud. Why, my good lord ? 

Col. Because the king would not have offered me 
Such an indignity, nor should T now 
Tread into murder. 

Lud. Murder — I had hoped, 
You would not on the threshold of the deed 
Stay tottering thus — Why, you look paler, sir, 
Than one of these white statues — -One would deem 
It was a deed of sin, and not of honour, 
That you had undertaken. 

Col. By yon heaven, 
I cannot stab him like a slave that's hired 
To be a blood-shedder ! I cannot clench 
This hand, accustomed to a soldier's sword, 
Around this treacherous hilt, and with the other 
Squeeze the choked spirit from the gasping throat — 
Then kneel upon his bosom, and press out 
The last faint sigh of life ! Down, damned steel! 
Fit instrument for cowards — 1 will play 
A warrior's part, and arm him for the fight ! — 
Give me thy sword that I may put defence 
Into the tyrant's hand, and nobly kill him. — 
Come forth ! [Going to the door, 

Lud. Hold, madman, hold! — what wouldst thou do? 

Col. Bravely encounter him — not take his life 
Like a mercenary stabber. 

Lud. Hast thou thought 
That he may be the victor too ? 

Col. My death 
Will not be thought inglorious. 

Lud. There's some praise 



70 EVADNE, [Act V. 

In falling by the hand of royalty ; 
But when you are laid within your sepulchre 
And rot most honourably, then I fear me, 
A lesser shame will not befall your house 
For all the graven marbles on your tomb — 
Your sister — 

Col. Ha! 

Lud. Your sister will not find, 
When you are dead, a bulwark in your grave, 
Where will she find a guardian arm — thine arm 
Will be the food of the consuming worm, 
While in the hot embraces of the king — 

Col. I did not think on that. 

Lud. But I perhaps mistake you all this while — 
You have better thought upon the dignity 
He means your house. 

Col. You do not dare — 

Lud. I dare to tell you this — 
Who can forgive such injury as thine, 
Hath half consented to it. — How is it 
The glorious resolve hath cooled within thee ? 
Hath any thing befallen, that should have blown 
On the red iron of thy heated wrath, 
And steeped thee back to meekness.— -Was the touch 
Of his warm amorous hand, wherein he palmed 
Her struggling fingers, ice upon your rage ? 
When he did tread upon her yielding foot 
Beneath the cloth of gold.- 

Col. If I had seen it, 
He had not lived an instant ! 

Lud. When you turned, 
He flung his arms around, and on her cheek 
He pressed his ravenous lips ! — 'Sdeath, Sir, consider— 



Scene L] Or, THE STATUE. 71 

You pray the King of Naples to your roof, 

You hail his coming in a feast that kings 

Could scarce exceed in glory — It is blown 

Thro' all the city that he sleeps to-night 

Within your sister's bed ; and, it is said, 

That you, yourself, have smoothed the pillow down. 

Col. Where is he ? let me see him who presumes 
To think the blasphemy. 

Lud. Behold him here ! 
I y sir — yes, I — Ludovico, dare think 
With every man in Naples, if the king 
Should leave your roof with life, that he has tasted 
The fruit he came to pluck. 

Col. No more — no more — 
He perishes, Ludovico ! 

Lud. That's well— 
I am glad to see you pull into your heart 
Its brave resolve again — and if there be 
Aught wanting to confirm thee, think, Colonna, 
Think that you give your country liberty, 
While you revenge yourself! — Go, my Colonna — 
Yonder 's the fated chamber — plunge the steel 
Into his inmost heart, and let the blood 
Flow largely, " till the floor absorb it up. 
<e That men hereafter journeying to Naples, 
" May go to see the chamber, where the gore 
" Shed by Colonna's hand doth rust for ever ! " 

Col. I' II call to thee when it is done. 

Lud. Hark thee ! he '11 cry "for life — and well I know 
The pleading for existence may have power 
Upon thy noble nature — then, Colonna, 
Drown every shriek with chaste Evadne's name, 
And stab him as thou criest it ! [Exit. 



72 EVADNE, [Act V. 

[Colon N A advances towards the chamber-door. 

Col. I will do it!— 

[He pushes the door, and finds, from his agitated 
condition, it is difficult to move. 
I can scarce move the door — it will not yield — 
It seems as if some mighty hand were laid 
Against it to repel me. 

( Voice exclaims) Hold ! 

Col. (Starting) It was only 
My thought informed the air with voice around me — 
Why should I feel as if I walked in guilt 
And trod to common murder — he shall die ! 
Come then, enraging thought, into my breast 
And turn it into iron ! 

(Voice.) Hold! 

Col. It shot 
With keen reality into mine ear; 
A figure in the shadow of the moon, 
Moves slowly on my sight, and now appears 
Like a fair spirit of the midnight hour ! 
What art thou? 

Evadne advances from behind the Statues. 

Evad. Heaven does not alone employ 
The holy creatures of another world, 
As heralds of its merciful behests : 
But can make angels of the things of earth, 
And use them in its purest minist'rings. 
My brother ! 

Col. How, my sister ! is it meet 
You watch the foot-fall of my midnight tread ? 
Come you across my purpose ? 

Evad. From my chamber 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE*,^ 73 

That to the great hall leads, I did behold you, 

In dreadful converse with Ludovico. — 

Your looks at the banquet did unto my fears 

Forebode no blessed issue, for your smiles 

Seemed veils of death, and underneath your brows 

1 saw the silent furies — Oh, Colonna, — 

Thank Heaven, the safety of Vicentio 

Has given me power to watch your dangerous steps ! 

What would you do ? 

Col. Methinks it ill pertains 
To woman's humbler nature to pursue 
The steps of man, and pry into his purpose. 
Get thee to rest. 

Evad. Is that high front, Colonna, 
One to write Cain upon r — Alas, Colonna, 
I did behold you with Ludovico, . 
By yonder moon, and I as soon had seen thee 
Commune with the great foe of all mankind — 
What wouldst thou do ? 

Col. Murder! 

Evad. What else, Colonna, 
Couldst thou have learned from Ludovico ? 

Col. In yonder chamber lies the king — I go 
To stab him to the heart ? 

Evad. 'Tis nobly done ! 
I will not call him king — but guest, Colonna — 
Remember, you have called him here — remember 
You have pledged him in your father's golden cup ; 
Have broken bread with him — the man, Colonna,— 

Col. Who dares to set a price upon my life — 
What think'st thou 'twas ? 

Evad. I think there's nought too dear 
To buy Colonna's life. 

Col. 'Twas a vast price 

L 



74 EVADNE, [Act Y. 

He asked me then — you were to pay it too — 
It was my Evadne's honour. 

Evad. Ha! 

Col. He gives my life upon condition — Oh, my sister ! 
I am ashamed to tell thee what he asked. 

Evad. What ! did he ?— 

Col. Thou dost understand me now ?-— 
Now — if thou wilt, abide thee here, Evadne, 
Where thou mayest hear his groan. [Going iri. 

Evad. Forbear, Colonna! 
For Heaven's sake, stay — this was the price he asked thee ? 
He asked thee for thy life ? — thy life ? — but, no — 
Vicentio lives, and 

Col. (Aside) How is this? She seems 
To bear too much of woman in her heart ; 
She trembles — yet she does not shrink — her cheek 
Is not inflamed with anger, and her eye 
Darts not the lightning ! — 

Evad. Oh! my dearest brother, 
Let not this hand, this pure, this white fair hand, 
Be blotted o'er with blood. 

Col. Why, is it possible, 
She has ta'en the sinful wish into her heart ? 
By Heaven, her pride is dazzled at the thought 
Of having this same purple villain kneel, 
And bend his crown before her — She 's a woman ! 
Evadne ! 

Evad. Well? 

Col. The king expects me to 
Conduct you to his chamber — Shall I do so ? 

Evad. I prithee, be not angry at my prayer — 
But bid him come to me. 

Col. What! bid him come to thee? 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 75 

Evad. And leave me with him here. 

Col. What! leave thee with him? 

Evad. Yes — 1 implore it of thee — prithee, Colonna, 
Conduct my sovereign here. 

Col. Yes — I will try her — 
I know not what she means, but, hitherto, 
I deemed her virtuous. — If she fall, she dies. — 
I'll here conceal myself, and if in word 
She give consent, I '11 rush upon them both 
And strike one heart thro' the other. 

Evad. Send him to me. 

Col. There's a wild purpose in her solemn eye— * 
I know not if 'tis sin, but I will make 
A terrible experiment. — What, ho! 
My liege, I bear fulfilment of my promise — 
Colonna bears Evadne to your arms ! 

Enter the King from the Chamber. 

King. Colonna, my best friend, how shall I thank thee ? 
But where is my Evadne ? 

Col. There, my lord ! 

King. Colonna, I not only give thee life, 
But place thee near myself; henceforth thou wilt wear 
A nobler title in thy family,—- 
And to thy great posterity we '11 send 
My granted dukedom. 

Col. Sir, you honour me. 
My presence is no longer needed here. 
( Aside) A word's consent despatches them! 

[He conceals himself behind the pillars. 

King. Evadne ! 
Thou fairest creature that ever feasted yet 
My ravished sense with beauty, whose fine form 

U 



76 EVADNE, [Act V. 

Is full of charms, as nature in the spring 
Is rich in rosy blossoms — I approach thee 
With all the trembling passion that untold 
Save by Ludovico, — 

Evad. Ludovico ! 

King. Yes, my Evadne, to his trusty care 
I did commit my fires — nay, do not feign 
This pretty wonderment, — my sweet Evadne, 
Let me conduct you by the fairest hand 
That man hath ever touched — 

Evad. (Retiring) I pray you, sir — 

King. My lovely trembler, lay aside thy sad 
And drooping aspect in this hour of joy ! 
Stoop not thy head, that like a pale rose bends 
Upon its yielding stalk — thou hast no cause 
For such a soft abashment, for be sure 
I '11 place thee high in honour. 

Evad. Honour, sir! 

King. Yes ; 1 '11 exalt thee into dignity, 
Adorn thy name with titles — All my court 
Shall watch the movement of thy countenance, 
Riches and power shall wait upon thy smile, 
And in the lightest bending of thy brow 
Death and disgrace inhabit. 

Evad. And, my liege, 
What will inhabit my own heart? 

King. My love! 
Come, my Evadne — what a form is here ? 
The imaginers of beauty did of old 
O'er three rich forms of sculptured excellence 
Scatter the naked graces ; but the hand 
Of mightier nature hath in thee combined 
All varied charms together. 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 77 

Evad. You were speaking 
Of sculpture, sir — I do remember me, 
You are deemed a worshipper of that high art, 
Whose bright creation lighting on the dead 
And shapeless marble, turns it into life, 
And mimicking divinity can make 
Its breathing mass immortal ! — Here, my lord, 
Is matter for your transports! [Pointing to the Statues. 

King. Fair Evadne ! 
Do you not mean to mock me ? Not to gaze 
On yonder lifeless marbles did I come 
To visit you to-night, but in the pure, 
And blue- veined alabaster of a breast, 
Richer than heaves the Parian that has wed 
The Florentine to immortality. — 

Evad. You deem me of a light capricious mood, 
But it were hard if, (woman as I am) 
I could not use my sex's privilege — 
Tho' I should ask you for yon orb of light, 
That shines so brightly, and so sadly there, 
And fills the ambient air with purity — 
Should you not feign, as 'tis the wont of those 
Who cheat a wayward child, to draw it down, 
And in the sheeted splendour of a stream 
To catch its shivering brightness ! — It is my pleas in e 
That you should look upon these reverend forms, 
That keep the likeness of mine ancestry— 
I must enforce you to it !— 

King. Wayward woman ! 
What arts does she intend to captivate 
My soul more deeply in her toils ? 

Evad. [Going to a Statue, 

Behold ! 



78 EVADNE, [Act V, 

The glorious founder of my family ! 

It is the great Rodolpho ! — he was famed 

When heroes filled the world, and deeds that now 

Are miracles, were the unmarvelled growth 

Of every day's succession ! — Charlemagne 

Did fix that sun upon his shield, to be 

His glory's blazoned emblem ; for at noon, 

When the astronomer cannot discern 

A spot upon the full-orbed disk of light, 

'Tis not more bright than his immaculate name ! 

With what austere, and dignified regard 

He lifts the type of purity, and seems 

Indignantly to ask, if aught that springs 

From blood of his, shall dare to sully it 

With a vapour of the morning ! 

King. It is well; 
His frown has been attempered in the lapse 
Of generations, to thy lovely smile, — 
£ swear, he seems not of thy family. — 
My fair Evadne, I confess, 1 hoped 
Another sort of entertainment here. 

Evad. Another of mine ancestors, my liege— - 
Guelfo the Murderer! 

King. The Murderer! 
I knew not that your family was stained 
With the reproach of blood. 

Evad. We are not wont 
To blush, tho' we may sorrow for his sin, 
If sin indeed it be. — His castle walls 
Were circled by the siege of Saracens, — 
He had an only daughter whom he prized 
More than you hold your diadem; but when 
He saw the fury of the infidels 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 79 

Burst through his shattered gates, and on his child 
Dishonour's hand was lifted, with one blow 
He struck her to the heart, and with the other, 
He stretched himself beside her. 

King. Fair Evadne, 
I '11 bid your brother chide you for delay, — 
Perverse, capricious woman ! 

Evad. I '11 not raise 
A tax upon your patience by regard 
Of this large host of heroes. — They are those 
Who fought in Palestine, and shed their blood 
For the holy sepulchre. — Two oaths they swore — 
One to defend their God— the other was, 
With their right arms to guard the chastity 
Of an insulted woman. 

King. Fair Evadne, 
I must no more indulge you, else I fear 
You would scorn me for my patience ; prithee, love, 
No more of this wild phantasy! 

Evad. My liege, 
But one remains, and when you have looked upon it, 
And thus complied with my desire, you will find me 
Submissive to your own. — Look here, my lord, — 
Know you this statue? 

King. No, in sooth, I do not. 

Evad. Nay — look again — for I shall think but ill 
Of princely memories, if you can find 
Within the inmost chambers of your heart 
No image like to this — look at that smile — • 
That smile, my liege— look at it ! 

King. It is your father! 

Evad. (Breaking into exultation.) 
Aye! — 'tis indeed my father! — 'tis my good, 



80 EVADNE, [Act V. 

Exalted, generous, and god-like father 1 

Whose memory, though he had left his child 

A naked, houseless roamer through the world, 

Were an inheritance a princess might 

Be proud of for her dower! — It is my father! 

Whose like in honour, virtue, and the fine 

Integrity that constitutes a man, 

He hath not left behind! — there is that smile, 

That, like perpetual day -light, shone about him 

In clear and bright magnificence of soul ! 

Who was my father? 

(With a proud and conscious interrogatory.) 

King. One, whom 1 confess 
Of high and many virtues. 

Evad. Is that all? 
I will help your memory, and tell you first, 
That the late King of Naples looked among 
The noblest in his realm for that good man, 
To whom he might intrust your opening youth, 
And found him worthiest. In the eagle's nest 
Early he placed you, and beside his wing 
You learned to mount to glory ! Underneath 
His precious care you grew, and you were once 
Thought grateful for his service. His whole life 
Was given to your uses, and his death — 
Ha ! do you start, my lord ? On Milan's plain 
He fought beside you, and when he beheld 
A sword thrust at your bosom, rushed — it pierced him ! 
He fell down at your feet, — he did, my lord ! 
He perished to preserve you ! [Rushes to the Statue.} Breath- 
less image, 
Altho' no heart doth beat within that breast, 
No blood is in those veins, let me enclasp thee, 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 81 

And feel thee at my bosom. — Now, Sir, I am ready — 
Come and unloose these feeble arms, and take me ! — 
Aye, take me from this neck of senseless stone, — 
And to reward the father with the meet 
And wonted recompense that princes give — 
Make me as foul as blotted pestilence, 
As black as darkest midnight, and as vile 
As guilt and shame can make me. 

King. She has smitten 
Compunction thro' my soul ! 

Evad. Approach, my lord ! 
Come in the midst of all mine ancestry, 
Come and unloose me from my father's arms — 
Come, if you dare, and in his daughter's shame 
Reward him for the last drops of the blood 
Shed for his prince's life ! — Come ! — 

King. Thou hast wrought 
A miracle upon thy prince's heart, 
And lifted up a vestal lamp, to shew 
My soul its own deformity— my guilt ! 

Evad. [Disengaging herself from the Statue.] Ha! have 
you got a soul ? — have you yet left, 
Prince as you are, one relic of a man ? 
Have you a soul ? — he trembles — he relents — 
I read it in the glimmering of his face ; 
And there 's a tear, the bursting evidence 
Of nature 's holy working in the heart ! 
Oh, God ! he weeps ! my sovereign, my liege 
Heart! do not burst in ectasy too soon ! 
My brother ! my Colonna ! — hear me — hear ! 
In all the wildering triumph of my soul, 
I call upon thee ! 

\Turning, she perceives Colonna advancing from among the 
Statues'] 

M 



82 EVADNE, [Act V. 

There he is — my brother ! 
Colonna, let me rush into thine arms, 
And in thy bosom I will try to keep 
My bursting heart within me. 

Col. Let me behold thee, 
Let me compress thee here ! — Oh ! my dear sister ! 
A thousand times mine own ! — I glory in thee, 
More than in all the heroes of my name ! — 
I overheard your converse, and methought 
It was a blessed spirit that had ta'en 
Thy heavenly form, to shew the wondering world 
How beautiful was virtue ! — Sir, — (to the King) 

Evad. Colonna, 
There is your King ! 

Col. Thou hast made him so again! 
Thy virtue hath re-crowned him — and I kneel 
His faithful subject here ! 

King. Arise, Colonna I 
You take the attitude that more befits 
The man who would have wrong'd you, but whose heart, 
Was by a seraph call'd again to heaven ! 
Forgive me ! 

Col. Yes, with all my soul I do ! 
And I will give you proof how suddenly 
You are grown my Prince again. — Do not inquire 
What I intend, but let me lead you here 
Behind these statues.— 

(Places the King behind the Statues.) 
Ho! Ludovico ! [Evadne retires. 

What ho! there ! — Here he comes! 

Enter Ludovico. 
Ludovico, 
I have done the deed ! 



SceneH.] Or, THE STATUE. 83 

Lud. He is dead ? 

Col. He is as dead 
As twenty stabs could make him — thro' his heart 
E'en as thou badest me, did I drive the steel, 
And as he cried for life, Evadne ; s name 
Drowned his last shriek ! 

Lud. So! 

Col. Why, Ludovico, 
Stand you thus rapt ? Why does your bosom heave 
In such wild tumult ? Why is it you place 
Your hand upon your front? What hath possessed you ? 

Lud. (With a strong laugh of irony.) Fool ! 

Col. How is this ? * 

Lud. So, thou hast slain the king? 

Col. I did but follow your advice, my lord. 

Lud. Therefore, I call ye — Fool !— -From the king's head 
Thou hast ta'en the crown, to place it on mine own ! 
Therefore I touched my front, for I did think 
That palpably, I felt the diadem 
Wreathing its golden round about my brow ! 
But, by yon heaven, scarce do I feel more joy 
In climbing up to empire, than 1 do 
In knowing thee my dupe ! 

Col. I know, my lord, 
You bade me kill the king. 

Lud. And since thou hast slain him) 
Know more, — 'twas I that first within his heart 
Lighted impurity ;_/twas I, Colonna,— 
Hear it— 'twas I that did persuade the king 
To ask thy sister's honour, as the price 
Of thine accorded life ! 

Col. You?-r- 

Lud. Wouldst hear more ? — 
m 2 



84 EVADNE, [ActV. 

To-morrow sees me king ! I have already 

Prepared three thousand of my followers 

To call me to the throne — and when I am there, 

I'll try thee for the murdering of the king, — 

And then — What ho, there! Guards! — then, my good lord, 

When the good trenchant axe hath struck away 

That dull, and passionate head of thine — W 7 hat ho! 

I'll take the fair Evadne to mine arms, 

And thus 

Enter Guards. 
On yonder traitor seize ! — 
With sacrilegious hand he has ta'en away 
The consecrated life of majesty, 
And 

The King comes forward. 
What do I behold ? is not my sense 
Mocked with this horrid vision ? " Hold my frame . 
u A little longer — and, you faculties 
" Of reasonable man, droop not beneath 
" That horrid phantom," that hath started up 
To make an idiot of me — is it not 
The vapour of the senses that has framed 
The only spectacle that ever yet 
Appalled Ludovico ? — 
King. Behold thy king ! 
Lud. He lives ! — I am betrayed — but let me not 

Play traitor to myself — befriend me still 

Thou guarding genius of Ludovico ! — 

My liege, my royal master, do I see you 

Safe from the plots of yon accursed traitor ? 

And throwing thus myself around your knees 

Do I clasp reality ? 



Scene I.] Or, THE STATUE. 85 

King. Traitor, arise ! 
Nor dare pollute my garment with a touch ! 
1 know thee for a villain ! — Seize him, guards ! 

Lud. (Drawing his sword.) 
By this right arm they dare not — this right arm 
That to. the battle oft hath led them on, 
Whose power to kill they know, but would not feel ! — 
I am betrayed — but who will dare to leap 
Into the pit wherein the lion's caught, 
And hug with him for death ? Not one of this 
Vile herd of trembling wretches ! 
[To the King.'] Thou art meet alone to encounter me, 
And thus in the wild bravery of despair, 
I rush into thy life ! 

Col. (Intercepts and stabs him.) And there! and there I 
That went into thy heart ! — Art thou immortal 
Must 1 yet stab thee deeper ? 

[Ludovico falls. 

Evad. (Rushing up to Colonna.) Oh ! my brother! 

King. Thou hast a second time preserved thy prince ! 

Lud. Colonna, thou hast conquered. 
Oh ! that I could, 

Like an expiring dragon, spit upon you ! — 
That I could — thus I fling the drops of life 
In showers of poison on you — May it fall 
Like Centaur-blood, and fester you to madness ! 

Oh! that I could . 

[He grasps his sword, and, in an effort to rise, dies. 

" Col. In that gasp 
" The soul rushed to infinity. 

" Evad. Oh ! turn away 
" From that affrighting spectacle! the good 
" Look awfully in death — the bad — [With a broken shudder . 



86 EVADNE. [Act V. 

" King. Evadne, 
u We '11 turn to living beauty, dignified 
" And fair, illumined by the silver light 
" Of the bright soul within ! Your sovereign owes 
" His diadem to you, and what is more, 
" The contrite spirit that shall make him fit 
" To bear it on his head ! — Henceforth, Colonna, 
" Share thou my kingdom with me, and adorn 
" My councils by thy virtue." — Fair Evadne, 
We will repair our injuries to thee, 
And wait in all the pomp of royalty 
Upon the sacred day that gives thy hand 
To thy beloved Vicentio ! 

Col. And the nuptials 
Shall at the pedestal be solemnized 
Of our great father ! 

Evad. Dost not think, Colonna, — 
Dost thou not think, his holy spirit spreads 
His wings around to shelter us from harm— 
And that amid the fleshless world he looks 
With nature's tender feelings on his child ?— . 
Here every night, before I go to rest, 
I will kneel down, and say my orisons. 

" Col. And if the coldest heretic should chance 
" To see thee kneeling there, with thy white hands 
" Folded upon thy bosom, and thine eyes 
" Bright with adoring love, he would not dare 
" To call thy worship an idolatry ." 



THE END. 



EPILOGUE, 

SPOKEN BY MRS. FAUCIT. 



Drof Scene. — The Hall of Dramatic Statues. 



Sent hither by our Bard, no pleasant jaunt- 
In Epilogue a timorous debutante, 
I ask your favour, like a prudent elf, 
One word for him, and one word for myself! 

Cut off, like Crusoe, from the social walk, 
With no Man Friday to keep up the talk 
Frown' d on by yonder monumental sages 

{Pointing to the Drop, J 
In marble. What an awful thing the stage is ! 
Of Thespian Bards yon Alpha and Omega, 
From mighty Shakepeare down to Lope de Vega; 
Each shakes his awful curls, and seems to say, — 
" Surely the author means to damn his play ; 
What ! send an Actress out, the town t' implore, 
Who never spoke an Epilogue before ! 
Olivia for Evadne, mighty clever ! 
Woman for woman ! that is new, however !" 

Peace, ye monopolists, on marble shelves, 
You want to damn all statues but yourselves. 
Avaunt ! u I 've caught the Speaker's eye" before ye, 
Rear-rank, Attention ! while I tell a story. 
Pygmalion once, to ape the Turner's trade, 
With curious labour carved an ivory maid, 
But as immortal grace each limb unfolds, 
He glows with passion for the maid he moulds, 



EPILOGUE. 

And cries, (how vain were artists e'en in Greece) 
" Come ! that *s a statue ! that 's art's masterpiece!" 
Long he adores her with a lover's mien, 
And thus, at length, petitions Beauty's Queen ; 
u Oh, Venas, bid me taste of Hymen's bliss, 
" And ' bone of my bone' makeyon ivory Miss ! 
" Hush ! foolish youth !" (aside thus Momus sung) 
" Leave well alone ! a statue has no tongue !" 
Vain was the hint ; the silliest of the Greeks 
Repeats his vow, and gains the boon he seeks. 
The statue woke to life, with eager spring 
Pygmalion changed his chisel for a ring ; 
And as no parent lived to thwart his plans, 
Of course no cross papa forbade the banns. 

From that time forth, unwarmed by lover's breath, 
Statues, or bone, or stone, have slept in death. 
But if to-night, you bid Evadne thrive, 
We hope to see the miracle revive. 
To Beauty's Queen the Grecian poured his vow, 
Our Poet bends to Beauty's daughters now ; 
Oh ! may they waken his dramatic wife, 
And, smiling, warm his statue into life ! 



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OF 

SCIENCE AND THE ARTS, 

No. XII. 

EDITED AT THE ROYAL INSTITUTION. 

CONTINUED QUARTERLY. 



CONTENTS, %c. 

I. Observations on the Medico-Chemical Treatment of Calculous Disorders. 
By W. T. Brande, Sec. R. S., &c. 

II. Treatise on Cryptogamous and Agamous Vegetables ; concluded from 
p. 31. 

III. On M. Stromeyer's new Metal, Cadmium. In a Letter from J. G. 
Children, Esq., to the Editor. 

IV. Description of two Micrometers, designed and Used as Pyrometers, 

V. An Hypothesis to account for the variable Depth of the Ocean. 

VI. On Nitric Acid. By Andrew Ure, M. D. M. G. S., Sfc. 

VII. On the Acteometer. By John and Philip Taylor. 

VIII. Pitcairn's Island. From the Voyages and Travels of Amaso Delano. 
Boston, 1817. 

IX. The Travels of Marco Polo, a Venetian, in the 13th Century. Trans- 
lated from the Italian, with Notes, by W. Marsden, F. R. S., ,&c. 1818. 

X. An Account of some Experiments made on the Body of a Criminalim- 
mediately after Execution, with Physiological and Practical Observa- 
tions. By Andrew Ure, M. D. M.G.S. 

XI. Extract of a Letter from an Officer in the Arctic Expedition. 

XII. A Journal of the Temperature of the Weather, commencing May 14th, 
1812, and continued till December 31st, at Sierra Leone. By Mr. Wilford. 

XIII. On the Separation of Lime and Magnesia. By Richard Phillips, Esq. 
F. L. S., M. of Geol. Soc. 

XIV. On the Acid formed by the slow Combustion of Ether. By J. F„ 
Daniell, Esq. F. R. S. and M. R. I. 

XV. On the ^Egina Marbles. With three Plates. By C. R. Cockerel!, Esq. 

XVI. On White Arsenic. By Dr. Paris. 

XVII. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. 

XVIII. Mining Intelligence, 



CONTENTS OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION JOURNAL. 



XIX. Miscellaneous Intelligence. 

I. Mechanical Science. 

§ Astronomy, Mechanics, fyc. 
1. New Cornet. 2. New Carriage. 3. New Moving Power. 

§ Architectural, Agricultural, Manufactures, fyc. 

1. Souterazi of Constantinople. 2. Method of destroying Insects. 3. Im- 
provement in Seed Grain. 4. New Life Boat. 5. Letter from Captain 
Katerto the Editor, relating to the Instruments provided for the Arctic 
Expedition. 6. Terazi or Grecian Level. 7. Tar Lamp. 

II. Chemical Science. 

§ Chemistry. 

!. Prize Questions. 2. Sugar in Potatoes. 3. Purification of Borax. 4. On 
the Calculation of Potash with an Animal Substance. 5. Separation of 
Manganese from Iron. By M. Faraday, Chemical Assistant at the Royal 
Institution. 6. Manganese. 7. Carburetted Hydrogen. 8. Nitrous 
Oxide. 9. Alkali in Vegetables. 10. New Colouring Matter. 11. Iodine. 
12. Platinum. 13. Indelible Ink. 14. Mutual Precipitation of Tin and 
Lead. 15. Deoxidation of Indigo. 1-6. Soda Alum. 17. Moiree Me- 
tailiquei? 18. On the Construction of Fire-places. By N. Arnott, M. D, 
19. American Water Burner. 

§ Meteorology, Magnetism, fyc. 

1. Mock Suns. 2. Aerolite. S. Meteoric Iron in North America. 4. Earth- 
quakes. 5. Temperature below the Earth's Surface. 6. Ice Islands; 
7. Theory of Terrestrial Magnetism. 

III. Natural History. 

§ Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy f Sfc. 
I. Cicada Septendecim. 2. Fascinating Power of Serpents. S. Lizard 
embedded in Coal. 4. Tea Plant 5. Haiiyene. 6. Prase. 7- Remark- 
able Fossil. 8. Native Platinum. 

■§ Medicine, 8rc. 

1. Prize Questions. 2. Change of the Colour of the Skin. S. Remedy for 
the Plague. 

TV. General Literature, Sfc. 

1. Prize Questions, Miscellanea. 2. Leonardo da Vinci. 3. Icelandic 
Literature. 4. New Scientific Institution, 5. Ancient Funeral Urn. 
6. Hebrew Medal. 7. Ancient Coffin. 8. Ancient Bridge. 9. G-old 
Coin. 10. New Cod Bank. 11. Cattle consumed in London. 12., Pro- 
visional Committee for encouragement of Industry. 

XX. Meteorological Diary for the Months of September, October,, and No- 
vember, 1818, kept at Earl Spencer's seat at Althorp, in Northamptonshire* 

A Select List of New Publications. 

Index. 

NEW EDITIONS of the Numbers of this Journal, which were out of Print, may torn 
be had ; also complete Seisvftlie Six Volumes, either in Numbers, Boards, or Bovnd- 

Printed for JOHN MURRAY, Albemarle-Street. 



